Island Beneath the Sea

A Novel

By: Isabel Allende

Narrated by: S. Epatha Merkerson

Length: 17 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Born a slave on the island of Saint-Domingue, Zarit - known as Tt - is the daughter of an African mother she never knew and one of the white sailors who brought her into bondage. Though her childhood is one of brutality and fear, Tt finds solace in the traditional rhythms of African drums and in the voodoo loas she discovers through her fellow slaves.

When 20-year-old Toulouse Valmorain arrives on the island in 1770, its with powdered wigs in his baggage and dreams of financial success in his mind. But running his fathers plantation, Saint Lazare, is neither glamorous nor easy. It will be eight years before he brings home a bride - but marriage, too, proves more difficult than he imagined. And Valmorain remains dependent on the services of his teenaged slave.

Spanning four decades, Island Beneath the Sea is the moving story of the intertwined lives of Tt and Valmorain, and of one woman's determination to find love amid loss, to offer humanity though her own has been battered, and to forge her own identity in the cruellest of circumstances.

©2010 Isabel Allende (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"In a many-faceted plot, Allende animates irresistible characters authentic in their emotional turmoil and pragmatic adaptability. She also captures the racial, sexual, and entrepreneurial dynamics of each society in sensuous detail while masterfully dramatizing the psychic wounds of slavery. Sexually explicit, Allende is grace incarnate in her evocations of the spiritual energy that still sustains the beleaguered people of Haiti and New Orleans." ( Booklist)

An intriguing story

I learned much about the history of Haiti and New Orleans through the engaging characters.

I recognized the voice of the narrator as one of my favorite characters from Law & Order. While her French pronunciation is not quite up to par, I would love to hear her narrate in English again sometime.

Hard to listen to a non French speaker narrating

Being from Haiti speaking both French and Creole, I had a very hard time staying engaged with this story. The narrator butchers the pronunciation of all the character names, places, and expressions. What’s more is that the story felt very much “stuck on the surface “, no deep understanding or look into any of the characters views, ideals, or development.

Thoroughly enjoyed it

This was an amazing story with fascinating history woven throughout. The storyline evokes anger and repulsion at the human condition, yet also joy and hope. I strongly recommend this for the historical fiction fan, and would also recommend first reading up on the era of the French Revolution and particularly France's interests in the Caribbean and New Orleans. It will make the historical storyline easier to follow. As for the narrator---perfect choice for this story.

Don't Overlook This Book

My favorite listen of the summer. It makes you start to understand why Haiti is the doormat of the world and hard to embrace...why they are what they are now in total impoverishment.

I love historical novels as it is a great way to get the history down. And this book does not disappoint.

Island Beneath the Sea (Unabridged)

A wonderful story! I could not stop listening!
The only detraction was the narrator,S.Epatha Merkerson, an award winning actor, that sound as if she is learning how to read or has not seen this material before.
However, the book is so good, that I got beyond the poor narration.
A must read!!!!

Another great story from Isabel Allende

Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors. I was introduced to her work in college when I had read The House of the Spirits. I jump at the chance to get my hands on her work.

I was not disappointed. This is such an emotionally charged story laced with history and culture. I learned a lot about the Haitian revolution and the relationship between France and it's respective colonies in the west. My favorite character was Zarite because she was so strong. I could not imagine having to make so many sacrifices just for the survival of my children. She truly exemplified the strength and love of a mother. The one thing I didn't like was the marriage between two characters with a very complicated relationship (I won't spoil it for those who don't know). Made me all kinds of uncomfortable.

Overall this was in line with the Allende style of story telling. The narrator was okay; I would have rather had someone with more passion in their delivery

Absorbing historical narrative

The characters allow you to feel and understand the origins of Haiti. The determination of Tt to survive and endure is remarkable. The violence and cruelty of slavery is conveyed clearly to the reader. Thoroughly enjoyed this timely and educational read.

....and this is from whence we came. Great story!

The story presented a historical perspective of "life as it was" in those days and of Haiti. In spite of the many tragic and sad occurrences, I was drawn to the book until the end. Although the ending was a good one for the main character, I thought her pride prevented her from having an even better life. But we all 'must stand for that in which we believe' and live for the love and happiness that comes to us as a blessing....the narration was very well done and contributed to the heart and soul of the book.

I enjoy the the book

I enjoy books that are tied to historical events. The description of Haitian events was what I liked most. The good story. The performance lacked enthusiasm...

Exceptional

Art in literature at its best.
Allende captures and sends readers/listeners off through highs and lows of an emotional Rollercoaster that entralls the imagination. Lovers of language and storytellers will be moved and inspired. This book was destined to be read aloud and Ms. S. Epatha Merkerson's voice left a familiarity in my heart that I struggle to articulate. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.