A review by ka_cam
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

adventurous dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Beautifully written and still timely multigenerational saga set in chili in the generations up to the election of Allende (‘the President’) and the subsequent coup and descent into authoritarian violence. The named first person narrator was so unlikable and casually violent I disliked parts of his narration. The characters are interesting and I see how it was hugely significant for the time, for me it read as good but not exceptional. Would advise folks to check the content warnings and be prepared for outdated language. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Gun violence, Rape, Sexism, Homophobia, Abortion, Child death, Police brutality, Animal death, Car accident, Classism, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Colonisation, Racism, Sexual assault, Chronic illness, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Violence, Death of parent, Medical content, Alcohol, Murder, Sexual content, Grief, Torture, and War

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Blood, and Addiction