As a kid growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, The Family Channel’s “Zorro” was must-watch-tv. While “Batman: The Animated Series” would eventually take over as my favorite hero show when I became a hardened and cynical fourth grader, Zorro has always held a special place in my soul. Yes, my soul. Zorro is hero descended from Spanish and Native Americans, born to help. And, to help with panache. You can imagine the impact that would have on a little Hispanic boy. In a way, I think it Zorro had an impact on my eventual decision to become a lawyer. A lawyer just puts on a different kind of costume to help and to defend justice. 
Just as Zorro impacted me, he also impacted famed author Isabel Allende. Apparently she took this book on commission, a rarity for her, but she did so because she was in love with Zorro as a kid, and also loves watching the more modern movies with her granddkids. When she was asked to write an origin story for the hero, she took up the challenge. The result is a fun, funny, heartbreaking, stirring novel which brings out the best in the reader. (All of this information is in the back pages of the paperback edition – almost like a blu-ray extras feature!)
I don’t want to give up very much of the actual plot of the book, because so much of it had me smiling and laughing with delight, and at times yelling at the injustice of the world. Suffice it to say, Allende explains every aspect of the personalities of both Don Diego de la Vega, as well as Zorro. Far from being meticulous, though, Allende plays with the idea that heroism is less one person than a combination of many people doing many great things. My favorite lines:
“Is life fair?”
“I plan on doing everything in my power to make it so.”
And
“More than one defender of justice is needed because there is so much evil in this world.”
If you’re looking for a fun read and you like sticking it to The Man, saddle up with Zorro and Allende, and fight for justice!