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.
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