Summary
In "The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty, and Unexpected Love in the Azores," Diana Marcum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, embarks on a transformative journey to the Azores, nine Portuguese islands in the mid-Atlantic. Initially drawn by a photograph of a man plowing a field with oxen in California, an unexpected symbol of Azorean heritage, Marcum seeks to understand the Azorean diaspora and the deep ties between these islands and the United States.
The narrative begins with Marcum at a personal and professional low point, grappling with career disillusionment and a sense of disconnection. A local assignment leads her to a vibrant Azorean community in California’s Central Valley, where she witnesses bull pulls, folk dances, and a profound longing for the homeland. Intrigued, she travels to Terceira, one of the Azores, and immerses herself in island life. She is welcomed by the Serpa family who introduce her to the island’s customs, including the tourada à corda, a unique form of bullfighting. She also forms friendships with individuals like Chef, a knowledgeable and humorous fire chief, and Alberto, a wise elder who speaks of the Tenth Island as a state of mind rather than a physical place.
As Marcum explores Terceira, she encounters the concept of saudade, a Portuguese term for a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profoundly melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves. The book delves into the history of the Azores, marked by volcanic eruptions, economic hardship, and mass migration to North America. The narrative portrays the culture clash between the Old World and the New, as Azorean-Americans return to the islands each summer, bringing with them the influences of California life.
Marcum's travels also lead to personal growth and unexpected romance. She forms close bonds with the people she meets, including Romana, a spirited Azorean-American who helps her reconnect with the joy and beauty around her. Throughout her journey, Marcum reflects on her own life, her search for belonging, and the importance of cherishing both the past and the present. Themes of immigration, identity, cultural preservation, and personal transformation are woven throughout the narrative.
The book also captures the challenges faced by the Azoreans, such as economic hardship, the impact of tourism, and the struggle to preserve their unique cultural identity. Marcum explores the complex relationships between the islanders and those who have emigrated, revealing both the deep longing for home and the tensions that arise from cultural differences. As the story progresses, Marcum finds herself increasingly drawn to the slow pace of life, the strong sense of community, and the simple pleasures of the Azores. Ultimately, "The Tenth Island" is a celebration of the human spirit, the enduring power of culture and tradition, and the transformative potential of travel and self-discovery.