A review by meriwynnlalectora
De amor y de sombra by Isabel Allende

3.0

I re-read this book after many years. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars because though there are elements of this story that I love it feels a little dated now. Some of Allende’s language and characterization is frankly offensive in today’s context, especially in her treatment of Irene’s friend Mario, who is gay. It’s less nuanced than I remember, too, in its treatment of Irene as the bougie protagonist of the book. Her trajectory is pretty predictable, and the language she uses to describe Irene and Francisco’s love affair leans toward the the overwrought.
Still, it tells a chilling story of the Pinochet dictatorship and the atrocities committed there, and provides insight into how ordinary people justify terrible crimes.