2 out of 4 stars
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Zorro (Spanish for fox) is a fictional character created a century ago by Johnston McCulley. As the masked rapier-wielding vigilante, Zorro protects the victims of the evil alcalde in the Californian pueblo near Los Angeles and neighboring areas. Several versions of the Zorro story have been told in various media forms since then. Zorro is even touted as the first masked superhero; Batman’s costume is said to have been inspired by the Zorro getup.
In Victoria & Diego: A Zorro Story, Christy Santo is faithful to the original McCulley story in identifying Zorro as Diego de la Vega, son of the wealthy landowner, Alejandro. Many of the other characters and plot details seem to be Santo’s own creations. She was a teenage fan of one of the Zorro TV serials, and she dedicates her book to Zorro fans like herself.
The book is a quick read; there are only 41 pages in six chapters. It can very well be an episode in the TV series she was so fond of.
Victoria is Diego’s fiancée, but his double identity makes it difficult for them to marry. The alcalde is bent on unmasking Zorro and putting him in prison for his law-breaking activities. Investigators from Madrid are summoned to identify Zorro by all means available. Victoria is distraught and seeks counsel from Padre Salcedo, a priest in a mission house located miles away from her home near Los Angeles. As she drives her horse-drawn wagon back home, it topples while traversing a rough road. The lovely senorita falls and hurts her head; she loses most of her memories.
Will Victoria be found before harm befalls her? Will she and Diego marry? Will Zorro escape the law?
The short story is written in simple language accessible to even young thriller buffs; the graphic scenes of sex and violence may, however, offend sensitive readers. The book cover is attractive and is a clear come-on for Zorro fanatics, who will doubtless find the action exciting. My favorite part is where Victoria and Diego’s adopted brother Felipe find means to mislead the investigators about Zorro’s identity.
I am not too happy with the cliched plot, though. Amnesia is much too convenient a plot device to work for me. Many of the rescues in the story are also done in the nick of time, just before the whip makes contact with flesh or seconds before the rape victim’s modesty is violated. Moreover, there are some unlikely reactions by the villains and the authorities. This story needs fresh ideas and more credible character behavior.
While the author names an editor, there are a number of errors that evaded the red pencil. Many are missing commas; maybe Santo and her editor subscribe to the new trend of using fewer commas. There are also other grammar issues like misused words, other punctuation errors, and faulty sentences. Zorro’s black stallion is both called “Tornado” and “Toronado.” Both names are used in previous Zorro works, but one story should use the same name consistently.
The author promises a sequel to her book; I hope the next story will have novel complications and better editing. I give Victoria & Diego 2 out of 4 stars ; for me, the book somehow missed the mark.
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Victoria & Diego
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