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sighapple 's review for:
The House of the Spirits
by Isabel Allende
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The House of the Spirits is a tumultuous epic which chronicles four generations of two extraordinary families.
The eponymous house is large: it boasts three courtyards and a Chiléan version of the Addams Family.
A mainstay of magical realism is that characters are expected to be beautifully realised, and Allende doesn't disappoint.
Strong female roles abound in this captivating story, from Rosa (who has the maritime grace of a mermaid), to Clara the soothsayer (whose apocalyptic visions include exploding horses and cows that are hurled into the sea), and Tránsito Soto (the entrepreneurial prostitute who symbolises success in the face of adversity).
The books lead goes to reluctant altruist, Esteban Trueba, whose expectations of grandeur befit his pedigree, but not his habitude.
Trueba, wishing to mine for gold, takes control of a lawless chunk of godforsaken land.
Despite improving the social conditions of the peasants under his patronage, he becomes the most hated and feared scumbag in the entire region.
When done with kicking hens, throwing tantrums and raping village girls, he expects his subordinates to show him some gratitude. Seriously, what a complete arse!
This book stayed in my mind for months afterward. Stormy, dramatic and beautifully written!
The eponymous house is large: it boasts three courtyards and a Chiléan version of the Addams Family.
A mainstay of magical realism is that characters are expected to be beautifully realised, and Allende doesn't disappoint.
Strong female roles abound in this captivating story, from Rosa (who has the maritime grace of a mermaid), to Clara the soothsayer (whose apocalyptic visions include exploding horses and cows that are hurled into the sea), and Tránsito Soto (the entrepreneurial prostitute who symbolises success in the face of adversity).
The books lead goes to reluctant altruist, Esteban Trueba, whose expectations of grandeur befit his pedigree, but not his habitude.
Trueba, wishing to mine for gold, takes control of a lawless chunk of godforsaken land.
Despite improving the social conditions of the peasants under his patronage, he becomes the most hated and feared scumbag in the entire region.
When done with kicking hens, throwing tantrums and raping village girls, he expects his subordinates to show him some gratitude. Seriously, what a complete arse!
This book stayed in my mind for months afterward. Stormy, dramatic and beautifully written!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence