Serendipity and Escape

My “Tenth Island” Discovery of the Azores

Unsplash Photo Credit: Ferdinand Stöhr

Having recently immersed myself in the book "The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty, and Unexpected Love in the Azores” by the late Pulitzer Prize winning author Diana Marcum, I find myself on an odyssey of  unfamiliar territory. 

My usual literary preferences lean toward nonfiction, often rooted in the realms of business, creativity and philosophy. Yet, this book is different—a fiction-ish narrative that transcends my typical reading fare. It offers a much-needed escape from the mundane rhythms of my current life, where routine often reigns supreme.

For me, this book is more than just a story; it's a spiritual journey. It echoes the sentiments of "Eat Pray Love," a tale of exploration and self-renewal where the protagonist embarks on a transformative adventure across Italy, India, and Indonesia. In a similar vein, Marcum's journey to the Azores has become my own, offering a vivid escape from the everyday humdrum of life.

The Azores, a picturesque archipelago in the North Atlantic, are a collection of nine volcanic islands rich in natural beauty and history. Discovered in the 15th century and settled by Portugal, these islands have maintained a unique blend of Portuguese heritage and local culture. 

Known for their lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and azure waters, the Azores offer breathtaking scenery and a tranquil escape. Historically significant as a strategic waypoint for explorers and traders, the islands today are celebrated for their pristine environment, vibrant marine life, and the warm hospitality of their inhabitants, making them a hidden gem of the Atlantic.

The synchronicity of discovering this book is uncanny. It was back in 2009 that I first learned of the Azores from a woman named Juno, the editor of a regional business publication where I worked. Juno was Azorean, and her stories of these islands planted a seed of curiosity that has now blossomed through Marcum's prose. 

For a reader deeply contemplating life, "The Tenth Island" offers a poignant reminder of the beauty of serendipity and the significance of embracing new horizons, even when they appear unexpectedly.

It offers a captivating exploration of personal loss, longing, and the unexpected connections one finds in the most remote corners of the world. As I read this beautifully written book, I am struck by the profound emotions and the vivid imagery that Marcum brings to life through her narrative.

The story begins with Diana Marcum in a state of crisis. She is grappling with a deeply buried personal sadness and a stalled career as a journalist. Her journey takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a unique group of immigrants in rural California. These immigrants, hailing from the Azorean Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, are tied to their homeland through an annual pilgrimage that Diana decides to follow. This decision sets the stage for a transformative adventure.

Marcum's depiction of the Azorean Islands is nothing short of mesmerizing. The islands are a place where bulls run down village streets, volcanoes remain active, and people celebrate "festas" to ease their saudade—a Portuguese word that encapsulates a profound sense of longing and melancholy that defies direct translation. The festas, with their vibrant colors, music, and communal spirit, serve as both a cultural anchor and a balm for the soul.

As Marcum immerses herself in the Azorean way of life, she discovers a community that is deeply connected to its roots yet open to outsiders. The hospitality and warmth of the Azorean people are palpable in her descriptions, and one can almost feel the soft rain—chuva—that she so poetically describes. This rain, which comes and goes almost imperceptibly, mirrors the subtle yet significant changes that occur within Marcum herself.

Years later, as California faced a devastating drought and relentless wildfires, Marcum finds herself yearning for the islands once more. This longing pulls her back to the Azores, where she hoped to find solace and perhaps, a new sense of purpose. Accompanied by her troublesome yet endearing Labrador retriever, Murphy, she embarks on a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about exploring a new place.

In the Azores, Marcum is confronted with the realities of her own desires and the things she still yearns for. Her return to the islands is not just a physical journey but an emotional and spiritual one as well. It is here that she encounters unexpected love and the realization that some of the things she has been longing for might still be within her reach.

Diana Marcum's writing is both evocative and poignant, capturing the essence of the Azorean landscape and the intricacies of human emotion. Her ability to weave together the personal and the universal makes "The Tenth Island" a deeply resonant memoir. The book is a testament to the power of place in shaping our identities and the enduring nature of human connection.

Marcum's untimely death adds a layer of poignancy to the experience of reading "The Tenth Island." As a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Marcum had a remarkable ability to tell stories that touched the hearts of many. Her passing is a profound loss to the literary and journalistic communities. Yet, her work continues to inspire and resonate, offering readers a glimpse into her soul and the places that moved her.

In reflecting on Marcum's journey, I am reminded of the importance of embracing the unknown and seeking out the connections that make us feel alive. "The Tenth Island" is more than just a memoir; it is a celebration of life, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Marcum's eyes, we see that even in the face of personal and environmental crises, there is always hope and the possibility of new beginnings.

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