A review by jedore
Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende

dark informative tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

“There is no worse suffering than to love with fear."

This is a sweeping story of resilience, love, and survival set against the backdrop of 18th-century Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti) and New Orleans. It follows Zarité, a young woman born into slavery, who endures unimaginable suffering yet never loses her fierce spirit. Her life is deeply entangled with her owner, Toulouse Valmorain, a French plantation owner who is both dependent on and oppressive toward her. Through Zarité’s eyes, we experience the horrors of slavery, the Haitian Revolution, and her enduring quest for freedom and dignity.  

In addition to being one of the most celebrated authors in contemporary literature, Allende is also the niece of Salvador Allende, the former president of Chile who was ousted in a military coup in 1973. This event deeply shaped her life and her writing, accounting for her recurring themes of resilience, displacement, and the struggle for justice that are woven into her novels.  

Isabel Allende is hands down one of my favorite authors. She consistently delivers novels that are impeccably researched, beautifully written, and rich with complex characters. Her ability to transport readers to another time and place while delving into the deepest aspects of human nature is nothing short of amazing.  

This was a heart-wrenching read, particularly because of the relationship between Zarité and Valmorain. He is a pathetic excuse for a man—weak, entitled, and totally unscrupulous. While he depended on Zarité to keep him afloat, he viewed her as mere property, incapable of seeing her humanity. His broken promises and cruel secrets made him despicable, yet tragically reflective of the era’s harsh realities.  

Despite the heavy subject matter, Allende never leaves her readers without hope. Through Zarité, she paints a portrait of unwavering strength and resilience, showing how even in the darkest of circumstances, the human spirit can endure and find light.  

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this book deserves a spot on your reading list. You'll learn so much about Haiti, New Orleans, and slavery. It's not an easy read, but it will teach you a lot while touching you emotionally.
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