Synopses & Reviews
In 1908, under orders to defend a tiny, isolated Pacific atoll from an improbable French invasion, Mexican captain Ramón Arnaud, his young bride, Alicia, and eleven soldiers and their families set sail for the so-called Isle of Passion. In this dire, forbidding place, a viable community is created under Ramón's guidance and inspired by Alicia's dedication. But they are soon forgotten by a motherland distracted by political upheaval and the first rumblings of World War I. Left to the mercies of nature and one another—falling victim one by one to disease, hunger, lust, despair, and, ultimately, violence—the castaways who remain must find strength in the courage and steadfast resourcefulness of Alicia Arnaud, upon whom their collective survival now depends.
Based on true events, Laura Restrepo's Isle of Passion is a brilliantly rendered and dramatic tale of savage human nature—and one woman's determination to triumph over a harrowing fate.
Review
Arguably [Restrepos] best: a ripping yarn that recreates an obscure historical incident…. Vivid and entertaining. Kirkus Reviews
Review
“This extraordinarily gripping novel communicates surprising lessons on the human condition. Highly recommended.” Library Journal (Starred Review)
Review
“Restrepo charts a wide and intense range of human experience in this compelling story of castaways.” Washington Post
Review
“[A] finely wrought work.” Cleveland Plain Dealer
Synopsis
A tale based on true events finds captain Ramon Arnaud setting sail in 1908 for a deserted Pacific island with his new bride, a small band of soldiers, and their families with the intent of securing the island's Mexican sovereignty, an endeavor compromised by the location's inhospitable environment, political upheaval at home, and the outbreak of World War I. By the author of The Dark Bride. Reprint. 10,000 first printing.
About the Author
Laura Restrepo is the bestselling author of six novels, including
The Dark Bride,
A Tale of the Dispossessed, and
Delirio, which received Spain's prestigious Alfaguara Prize. She lives in Colombia.
Laura Restrepo fue profesora de literatura en la Universidad de Colombia, editora política en la revista Semana y miembro de la Comisión Nacional para la Paz. Ha escrito destacadas novelas tales como Leopardo al sol; Dulce Compañía, que obtuvo el premio Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz en México y el premio France Culture en Francia; y Delirio, que obtuvo el premio Alfaguara. Actualmente vive en Bogotá, Colombia.