I agree that Isabelle is a compelling storyteller and personality. I haven't read Bowles' translation of her stories, but I've read Un Voyage Oriental and it was quite a ride. Her affection for the characters she meets is clear as is their often amused tolerance of her. If they saw through her shape-shifting, they played along with it anyhow. That said, the book reflects some of the racial attitudes of the time.
I agree that Isabelle is a compelling storyteller and personality. I haven't read Bowles' translation of her stories, but I've read Un Voyage Oriental and it was quite a ride. Her affection for the characters she meets is clear as is their often amused tolerance of her. If they saw through her shape-shifting, they played along with it anyhow. That said, the book reflects some of the racial attitudes of the time.