Helpful Score: 6
The House of Spirits is probably Allende's most famous and important book. In it, she chronicles the life of a family, as the patriarch grows from a child to an elder, with the world changing all around him while he tries to keep it the same. Through the lenses of the Trueba family, we follow the portion of Chilean history that eventually leads to the 1973 coup. Of course, the author is niece of Salvador Allende, the socialist president democratically elected that was removed from power and killed by Pinochet.
The book is based on clashes; old versus young, communists vs conservatives, landlords vs tenants. As the story unfolds, we view the extremist positions that each side takes: landlords attacking tenants, conservatives attacking communists, and vice versa. From the polarization of positions emerges a military dictatorship that no one wanted, but that was a product of the system setup by polarization.
In the end, the distinctions that originally separated young from old, conservatives from communists, are removed, as both sides realize the futility of their disputes in the face on an authoritarian regime.
The book is based on clashes; old versus young, communists vs conservatives, landlords vs tenants. As the story unfolds, we view the extremist positions that each side takes: landlords attacking tenants, conservatives attacking communists, and vice versa. From the polarization of positions emerges a military dictatorship that no one wanted, but that was a product of the system setup by polarization.
In the end, the distinctions that originally separated young from old, conservatives from communists, are removed, as both sides realize the futility of their disputes in the face on an authoritarian regime.
Helpful Score: 6
This is the most moving, emotional family saga I've ever read. Allende blends magic, family, and politics to create the story of the Truebas, a family you'll not soon forget. From the premonitions and predictions of the matriarch, Clara, to the passionate love of Blanca that has burned since childhood, to the idealistic innocence and simple beauty of Alba, you'll feel for these women and what they go through in life. The same holds for the men - you'll cry for Jaime, especially.
Allende keeps this timeless by refraining from the addition of specifics, instead keeping to the generals (i.e. The Candidate, The President, The Poet, etc.).
This is an example of superior writing, a superior plot, and superior characters. Literature doesn't get any better than this.
Allende keeps this timeless by refraining from the addition of specifics, instead keeping to the generals (i.e. The Candidate, The President, The Poet, etc.).
This is an example of superior writing, a superior plot, and superior characters. Literature doesn't get any better than this.
Helpful Score: 4
Although this book is set in Latin America, in an unnamed country, it is clearly supposed to be Chile, home of the author Isabel Allende. One of the main portions of the book deals with the military overthrow of the government, Ms. Allende's uncle was Salvadore Allende, who was murdered in such a coup. The story focuses on the family of Esteban Trueba, who is engaged to the beautiful Rosa, who dies before their marriage. Esteban then courts and marries Rosa's sister Clara, a clairvoyant and telekinetic, who talks to the sprits that roam through their home. Esteban is the patron of Tres Marias, the family plantation, that he rebuilds into a wealthy estate. We follow the lives of this family through about seventy years of hard times and prosperity, viewing the lives of the children and grandchildren of Esteban, that become intertwined with the politics of the country. Although the writing in this book was beautiful, at times the story was very uninvolving. Part of that stems from the fact that Esteban Tureba is a bullying autocrat, a character so unsympathetic that at times it was difficult to read many of the scenes he was involved in. The women alternated between spineless and strong, and although their paranormal abilities are taken for granted, there doesn't seem to be any purpose to them throughout the book, except for foretelling future events, a practice that becomes a bit tiresome over the course of the book. For me the story finally comes alive in the last third, when Esteban's granddaughter is born, and the political upheavals begin to take center stage. At this point in the book I was very involved in the tale and in knowing the outcome. For that reason, and the writing this book garners a bit higher grade than I originally planned on.
Helpful Score: 3
Immerse myself in a foreign culture, learn some political history and enjoy a romance all in one sitting? My favorite kind of book!
Helpful Score: 3
this was an interesting read. i read it as part of my personal challenge to read 10 banned books this year that i hadn't previously read. choosing this one was a good choice. it has social/class clashes, political uprisings, love, romance, war... a little bit of everything, really.
Helpful Score: 2
The multi-generational story of the Trueba family is used to weave an intricate tale of Chilean history, from the early turn of the century through the upheaval and revolution of the 70's.
While the background is Chilean historical fiction, the real depth of the story are the unique individuals of the Trueba clan.
The patriarch of the family possesses a wild, volatile, uncontrolled temper and a deep obsessive ability to love through possession.
The woman of the Trueba family are amazingly unique and sincere and at times seemingly untouched by the day to day realities of life.
The House of Spirits is a story of strong love, acceptance, betrayal, class prejudice and dreams. It is a story of how one family deals with all these issues and after all the dust has settled, those left standing realize the importance and depth of family bonds.
Allende's novel is a touching familial tale that transcends both time and location and opens your eyes and heart to the possibilities life offers.
While the background is Chilean historical fiction, the real depth of the story are the unique individuals of the Trueba clan.
The patriarch of the family possesses a wild, volatile, uncontrolled temper and a deep obsessive ability to love through possession.
The woman of the Trueba family are amazingly unique and sincere and at times seemingly untouched by the day to day realities of life.
The House of Spirits is a story of strong love, acceptance, betrayal, class prejudice and dreams. It is a story of how one family deals with all these issues and after all the dust has settled, those left standing realize the importance and depth of family bonds.
Allende's novel is a touching familial tale that transcends both time and location and opens your eyes and heart to the possibilities life offers.
Helpful Score: 2
I had to read this book for school. I remember the story as strange and beautiful. I liked it so much I went out and bought several others by Isabel Allende and now she is one of my favorite authors.
Helpful Score: 2
A fine example of the genre of magical realism. Beautifully written, powerful fiction. Not to be missed.
Helpful Score: 2
I had to read this book for an English course - I was only about a quarter of the way through before the semester ended, but I made sure to finish it. The story is very extensive and has a great amount of history within it but also some magical realism. There are hard parts to swallow as it can be graphic at times, but it is only ever in a matter of fact way and just completely honest. House of Spirits is a great read about the struggle of women and life in other cultures.
Helpful Score: 2
Spanning the life of Clara de Valle, her daughter Blanca, and her granddaughter, Alba, this book is infused with an ever-present sense of mysticism set against the development of an unnamed South American country. As the country develops from a backwater to a democracy, and then turns violently radical, the characters are swept up in its wake. Each woman is portrayed against Esteban Trueba, the patriarch, a stern and angry man, and constant source of mingled respect and fear throughout the book. Well-written, interesting, and a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
This book captivated me. Allende interweaves language and story until her fiction feels truer than history.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book especially if you enjoy reading about Latin America and magical realism. The book is MUCH better than the movie!
Helpful Score: 1
This novel is a classic, the family saga of 3 generations in Chile, which is timeless and universal, as relevant to current times as the time written about. "...[those] who had favored the coup were euphoric. At first they were a little shocked when they saw the consequences of their action....They thought the loss of democratic freedoms would be temporary....because it seemed a small price to pay for the defeat of Marxism."
No matter what level you read this story on, the author's magical writing style takes you to a place worthy of exploration and dreams.
No matter what level you read this story on, the author's magical writing style takes you to a place worthy of exploration and dreams.
Helpful Score: 1
Magical realism at its best.
Helpful Score: 1
absolutely fabulous book, Isabel Allende had a delightful writing style. She is so descriptive and thorough you truly feel you know the characters and understand her story very well by the time you get to the end of the book.
Even though beuatifully written, I had a hard time getting through this book.
part poltical, part love story inyresting read
A book about family, pride and loss in another land, another culture and yet, all families are somehow the same. Isabel Allende is a fabulous writer.
Great storytelling in this fantastical genre.
This book is magical - it carries you away. I highly recommend it. It is one of my favorites.
Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors. The characters and descriptions are so rich and mystical and magical that I hate to think of what I've missed in the translation.
I read this in High School for a a required reading. I thought that it was an insteresting read.
Decent book. Some characters not very likeable. Fun.
Although not a quick read, very enjoyable - well written with fascinating characters.
Loved it; couldn't put it down!
An epic story of a family, their emotions, tragedies and their country during turbulent times and a hint of the supernatural.
A multi-generational, historical fiction. Beautifully written and very enchanting. I've given this book as a gift more often than any other.
I read this book for English Lit in college and it is such a wonderful read. My highest recommendation.
This is Allende's first novel, published in 1982. It became an instant best-seller, was critically acclaimed, and catapulted Allende to literary stardom. The novel was named Best Novel of the Year in Chile in 1982, and Allende received the country's Panorama Literario award. The House of the Spirits has been translated into over 20 languages.
This was really magical story-telling detailing the life of the Trueba family, spanning four generations. It is filled with very memorable characters, especially the women of the family who have many mystical qualities and traits such as green hair, telekinesis, and contact with the spirits of the large house where they lived. The novel was begun as a letter to Allende's dying grandfather and tells of the rise to power of her uncle, Salvador Allende who was a Socialist who came to power and became the President of Chile in 1970. He was then killed in the military coup of 1973 and these tragic events become the backdrop for this very powerful novel. The novel goes from being like an enchanted fairy tale to a very dark and powerful narrative relating the atrocities of the coup that came to power.
I was mesmerized by this novel and highly recommend it. I have read several of Allende's other works but this one is definitely her masterpiece. This was also made into a movie in 1993 starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons. I saw this several years ago but I definitely need to rewatch it. I'll also be reading more of Allende's wonderful novels.
This was really magical story-telling detailing the life of the Trueba family, spanning four generations. It is filled with very memorable characters, especially the women of the family who have many mystical qualities and traits such as green hair, telekinesis, and contact with the spirits of the large house where they lived. The novel was begun as a letter to Allende's dying grandfather and tells of the rise to power of her uncle, Salvador Allende who was a Socialist who came to power and became the President of Chile in 1970. He was then killed in the military coup of 1973 and these tragic events become the backdrop for this very powerful novel. The novel goes from being like an enchanted fairy tale to a very dark and powerful narrative relating the atrocities of the coup that came to power.
I was mesmerized by this novel and highly recommend it. I have read several of Allende's other works but this one is definitely her masterpiece. This was also made into a movie in 1993 starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons. I saw this several years ago but I definitely need to rewatch it. I'll also be reading more of Allende's wonderful novels.
True to the Allende style of writing, The House of the Spirits is packed with detail and analysis. Interesting to compare to the 1993 movie with Jeremy Irons and Meryl Streep. Glenn Close plays a great Fruela.
National Bestseller.
Spectacular! The New York Times Book Review
The book is about a family, their tragedies and their loves. An epic novel very well written and a page turner.
Spectacular! The New York Times Book Review
The book is about a family, their tragedies and their loves. An epic novel very well written and a page turner.
Isabel Allende writes with magnificient descritive prose. this book is well worth reading. I have found every book she has written worth the investment of time.
Wonderful, mystical family saga, very South American in sensabilities, but from the view point of women.
Isabel Allende writes fascinating stories set in her native Chile. This is a multigenerational family saga, very well written.
A superb example of the magical realism that Allende does so well.
I love Isabel Allende in general. This is a beautiful book. Lots of wonderful magical realism and lots of "flavor"
Another wonderful Allende book!
Wonderful.
Great book! A classic.
"UNFORGETTABLE...It tells the story of the Trueba family, with its deep loves and hates, following them from the turn of the century...The Trueba family becomes our own; their country, their continent, their tragedies are ours. Their triumps will also be ours."
The Christian Science Monitor
The Christian Science Monitor
i know this is a south american type of literature that they like with the occult type spirits etc but it wasn't my cup of tea
"compelling....A splendid and fantastic meditation on a people and a nation." Booklist "Gripping..."Chicago Sun-Times "Imaginative and compelling..."Detroit News
please note this is a paperback, not hardcover version
A family saga with a little magic realism. Following the life of Esteban Trueba and the lives of three woman in his life, his wife Clara, his daughter Blanca, and granddaughter Alba. Each character is woven with their own little eccentricities. Over three generations we see Esteban grow older and meaner while the women become strong and more compassionate. Esteban rises in political status and believes it is better to be feared than loved. Esteban's family do not always share in his politics or with how he treats people in general.
I truly loved this book. I loved the characters, well except the Esteban and his grandson. There is a sort of melancholy throughout the book. This haunting sadness is part of what makes The House Of The Spirits a captivating read. That and the different character quirks and how they evolved over time.
I only wish there was more magical realism with some answers as to why the women in Clara's family had the special powers they did. I especially wonder about Rosa and Alba with the mermaid's hair.
Even though I have finished reading I can tell this a book that will stick in my memory as long as possible. I feel I am still absorbing some of it. I am curious to read more of Isabel Allende books. I have always loved family sagas and fantasy/ magical realism. So to put them together it like a pb&j sandwich. Yum!
I truly loved this book. I loved the characters, well except the Esteban and his grandson. There is a sort of melancholy throughout the book. This haunting sadness is part of what makes The House Of The Spirits a captivating read. That and the different character quirks and how they evolved over time.
I only wish there was more magical realism with some answers as to why the women in Clara's family had the special powers they did. I especially wonder about Rosa and Alba with the mermaid's hair.
Even though I have finished reading I can tell this a book that will stick in my memory as long as possible. I feel I am still absorbing some of it. I am curious to read more of Isabel Allende books. I have always loved family sagas and fantasy/ magical realism. So to put them together it like a pb&j sandwich. Yum!
very insightful
An epic novel of love, magic, and family pride.
From Publishers Weekly . . . "A runaway bestseller in Europe, this accomplished novel is a richly symbolic family saga by the nieve of Chile's assassinated President Salvador Allende. It is both an engrossing narrative and an impassioned testimony to the people of Chile."
From Publishers Weekly . . . "A runaway bestseller in Europe, this accomplished novel is a richly symbolic family saga by the nieve of Chile's assassinated President Salvador Allende. It is both an engrossing narrative and an impassioned testimony to the people of Chile."
An excellent read - as always, Allende won't let you down!
