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Title: Zorro: a mystical reinvention
Review: Isabel Allende is a very talented writer. However, she appears to have a great interest in mysticism and she has put as much of it as possible in this book. The original Zorro was a Spanish Nobleman and a Christian who fought on behalf of the poor and oppressed. So, it is ironic that Ms. Allende has tried to tie Zorro to practically every kind of mysticism which existed in the 19th century. She gives him an Indian Shaman for a Grandmother. Has him get the idea for Zorro from an Indian initiation right where he gets the fox (Zorro in Spanish) as his totemic symbol. Has him have an affair with a Gypsi who tells fortunes. Gives him a telepathic connection with his friend Bernardo. Has him join a secret society. And last, but not least, has an extended discussion of Voodoo magic. By the end of the book - I was wondering if this story was more about Zorro or Ms. Allende's attempt to normalize pagan spiritualism.
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