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edenreading 's review for:
The House of the Spirits
by Isabel Allende
Just as when we come into the world, when we die we are afraid of the unknown. But the fear is something from within us that has nothing to do with reality. Dying is like being born: just a change.
Three words to describe this book: sweeping, complex, melancholy
I am officially an Allende convert. I can't wait to read more of her books. I first heard about her on the TV show Jane the Virgin, and I can't believe I haven't picked up one of her books sooner.
If, like me, you love detailed and intricate stories with character-based development, then this book is a masterwork for that category. The novel spans three generations of the Trueba family in 20th-century Chile (not named but heavily implied).
The personal and the political blur in a fascinating way that really hit close to home for me. I think almost anyone can understand how political differences can cause tension within a family. The Trueba family sees the world transform from the 1940s and sees the rise of the communist movement and, eventually, the military dictatorship (junta) of Chile.
However, the heart of this book, for me, is the family. The character development is impressive for such a large cast of characters. Apparently, Allende was inspired by her own family, and that manifests in the diversity and complexity of each member of the Trueba family.
The ending is somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying, but I can understand why. When Allende published the book, the junta was still in power in Chile.
What a way to start the year!
tl;dr This book is outstanding and masterfully written, but it is long and character focused. Come for the amazing prose, and stay for the family dynamics and political commentary.
Three words to describe this book: sweeping, complex, melancholy
I am officially an Allende convert. I can't wait to read more of her books. I first heard about her on the TV show Jane the Virgin, and I can't believe I haven't picked up one of her books sooner.
If, like me, you love detailed and intricate stories with character-based development, then this book is a masterwork for that category. The novel spans three generations of the Trueba family in 20th-century Chile (not named but heavily implied).
The personal and the political blur in a fascinating way that really hit close to home for me. I think almost anyone can understand how political differences can cause tension within a family. The Trueba family sees the world transform from the 1940s and sees the rise of the communist movement and, eventually, the military dictatorship (junta) of Chile.
However, the heart of this book, for me, is the family. The character development is impressive for such a large cast of characters. Apparently, Allende was inspired by her own family, and that manifests in the diversity and complexity of each member of the Trueba family.
The ending is somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying, but I can understand why. When Allende published the book, the junta was still in power in Chile.
What a way to start the year!
tl;dr This book is outstanding and masterfully written, but it is long and character focused. Come for the amazing prose, and stay for the family dynamics and political commentary.