Another time, another place

"This is how it was, " Tété tells us again and again, cruelty, at times painful to read an not even close to the brutal lives of slaves, yet evokes it subtly. But also beautiful and hope shows a hint of her face.. '
Isabel Allende is an excellent wordsmith. I have read all she has written. I have not enjoyed everything but there is always something 'there'. I highly recommend this book and encourage you to seek out more by Allende.

AS far as the performance I did not, at first like her style. But after a few paragraphs I warmed to her. She differentiated characters with suble differences and I really felt I was hearing Tété's voice. I would consider a book by the performer again.

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Excellent storytelling!

A muligenerational story, with a start in a French occupied Haiti just prior to the revolution. We follow the story of Zarite, an enslaved child, who throughout her life's journey, we see the horrors of humanity - slavery, class systems, racism and genocide; and also love, spirituality, abolition, friendship and a mother's love. Oh, and yes, there is magic; though not in the fantastical sense, magical realism, a part of the every day as you and me.

The narrator's voice is captivating and keep you attentive to the author's every word.

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thought provoking saga

The story between a slave and her master set in Haiti in the 18th century.

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Finishing this book is like saying goodbye to a friend.

Such a good story from beginning to the end. Certainly one to be listened to again.

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Spectacular

This book was riveting from the start you could smell, taste feel so vibrant were the descriptions. The history combined with characters enraptures the reader not only the impatience of wanting to know what happens next and to whom, but with the statement 'chapter....' is a sense of full blown relief for the reader. Knowing that the story is still unfolding akin to a fine wine or meal it is truly disappointing to reach the end but the characters stay strongly in the mind. Some may feel it's rather lengthy but I totally loved it!!!

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2 people found this helpful

Allende - master story teller.

brilliant story -let down a little by narrator. a bit one dimensional with no change in voice for characters. juliet stephenson she isnt!

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Great book, shame about the narrator

I love Isabel Allende's novels and was really looking forward to listening to this one. The plot, characters and atmosphere do not disappoint. You are embroiled in a world of slaves, plantation owners and political change that is typical of the complex backgrounds Allende is so good at creating.
However... although the narrator's voice is of a rich and pleasant timbre, her disjointed monotone makes the book much more difficult to follow than it should be and lacks emphasis where emphasis should be given. Dialogue is especially confusing. Her pronunciation of the many French words and names in the story is painful and detracts from what should be a pleasurable listen.
Read it rather than listen to it is my advice.

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4 people found this helpful

A book to touch your heart

I will admit to being prejudiced because Isabel Allende is among my favourite authors but this is one of the best audio books I have heard for some time. Although not in the same class as 'The House of the Spirits', 'Island Beneath the Sea' is the story of the Haitian slave, T?t?, her struggle to become free and a large cast of characters who impact on her life.

Although this is a book that reveals the horrors of slavery both in Haiti and in America, it is told with Allende's typical honesty and fairness that favours shades of grey rather than black and white when portraying her characters. Thus, with one or two exceptions, we are allowed to see three dimensional characters who are as much the products of their time as driven by sheer greed and cruelty. For instance, although I did not like Toulouse Valmorain, I was able to understand what drove him and did feel sympathy for him at the end. The book is challenging sometimes and I really had to struggle with my own prejudices and feelings over the story of Maurice and Rosette, which I didn't really find very convincing, but overall it is a book about the triumph of the human spirit and it is a rewarding read.

I wasn't particularly keen on the narrator, whose voice was too monotone for my taste, but I would still recommend this audio book.

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5 people found this helpful

One of the best so far Allende is amazing !

Brilliant narrator, expert story weaving the best book I have listened to so far.

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2 people found this helpful

promissing beginning and middle part, weak ending

Allende' s book is very informative about the slave revolution in Haiti. The character's of the book are well pictured. I was so absorbed in Tete and other characters lifes that I couldn't wait to go back listening to the story. I managed to finish this audiobook in 3 days.I only didn't like the end of the story as for my taste the cause of incest is dealt in a too lighthearted way. I however still would recommend this audiobook.

In contrast to other reviewers I enjoyed the narration of Epatha Merkerson.

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2 people found this helpful