Lanzarote is waiting for you…
- Book: The Drago Tree
- Location: Lanzarote
- Author: Isobel Blackthorn
Review: the Drago tree
The thing I love about Isobel Blackthorn’s writing is her beautiful descriptions and ability to make me think on a higher plane while enjoying a romp through whichever of her stories I’m reading.
The Drago Tree also introduced me to a part of the world I’d never heard of prior to reading. Lanzarote, an island off the coast of Morrocco; Spanish-speaking and long colonised, it has a rich history shaped by violence, subjugation, and the rugged landscape.
Isobel gives readers a snapshot of current island life, its deep connection to the past and its geography, while musing on the impact of the tourism industry and importance of water (or lack thereof) to the islander’s often subsistence level survival.
It seems to me that Lanzarote is one great chunk of volcanic rock, hardly inviting of long-term human habitation yet people scrape along anyway. Through Isobel’s words and her main character’s eyes, we see that while Lanzarote may be a chunk of rock, it has hidden depths and a stark beauty that etches itself into those that live on the island.
The Drago Tree also delivers on characters and storytelling. The hitherto mentioned main character is Ann Salter who comes to Lanzarote to escape the clutches of heartbreak, come to terms with her past and present, and explore her dream to write. Ann is a deep-thinker, interested in details, and as a hydrologist, has a scientific bent that shapes not only her thinking and observation, but also her dealings with the world around her.
Ann meets Richard Parry, a well-known author, who has a house on the island and a wife back in England. He’s a little pompous, but engaging and Ann is attracted intellectually and physically.
Domingo is a local potter and sort-of friend come business acquaintance of Parry. He becomes a sort-of friend come tour guide to Ann and she senses a deeper connection as he encourages her genuine interest in the island’s history.
The three explore the island while pushing the edges of their very new friendship and Ann discovers an abiding love for Lanzarote and the people carving (and potting) out a life on the hot often desolate landscape.
I recommend The Drago Tree to you. Happy reading and exploring.
Lanzarote is waiting for you…
Please wait...
