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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
adventurous
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was presently surprised by this book. It was a fascinating read of a time and history I know very little of. The narrator perspective was a refreshing voice of turmoil and the wrestling angst of one approaching death. I am glad to have read this book and would definitely try others by Allende.
Inés of my Soul is a fictional account of the true life of Inés Suarez, conquistadora of Chile during the sixteenth century. Allende is "making up" for the fact that no true historical account of Suarez's experiences in establishing Chile currently exists.
I loved many things about this book. I very much enjoyed learning about the history of Chile and South America in general, things I knew nothing about before reading this book. It inspired me to research the Spanish occupation of South America and their relations with the aboriginal tribes in the area. Now I also find myself wanting to read those few historical documents that depict the true Inés Suarez, an icon that history hasn't seemed to do justice. I can see why Allende would be attracted to writing about such a powerful woman, seeing as how she played a major role in establishing the first Chilean colony while also ensuring the safety of its people during countless wars. In my opinion (albeit currently somewhat ignorant), Allende did a wonderful job of shaping the voice of Inés Suarez; she transformed Suarez from the almost anonymous historical figure she is into a passionate, admirable woman whose words and actions matter in the grand scheme of things.
The reason I give this book three stars instead of four is that I felt the book could have ended about fifty pages before it did; it seemed Allende grew tired of her own subject but felt the need to explain a few more events in order to achieve a tidy ending. The result, however, is an ending that lacks lustre and poetry, and simply leaves the reader feeling a bit beaten over the head. I'd still recommend the book because of its great balance between education and entertainment, but be warned that the last part of the book is tedious.
I loved many things about this book. I very much enjoyed learning about the history of Chile and South America in general, things I knew nothing about before reading this book. It inspired me to research the Spanish occupation of South America and their relations with the aboriginal tribes in the area. Now I also find myself wanting to read those few historical documents that depict the true Inés Suarez, an icon that history hasn't seemed to do justice. I can see why Allende would be attracted to writing about such a powerful woman, seeing as how she played a major role in establishing the first Chilean colony while also ensuring the safety of its people during countless wars. In my opinion (albeit currently somewhat ignorant), Allende did a wonderful job of shaping the voice of Inés Suarez; she transformed Suarez from the almost anonymous historical figure she is into a passionate, admirable woman whose words and actions matter in the grand scheme of things.
The reason I give this book three stars instead of four is that I felt the book could have ended about fifty pages before it did; it seemed Allende grew tired of her own subject but felt the need to explain a few more events in order to achieve a tidy ending. The result, however, is an ending that lacks lustre and poetry, and simply leaves the reader feeling a bit beaten over the head. I'd still recommend the book because of its great balance between education and entertainment, but be warned that the last part of the book is tedious.