The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende

[Dominique]

I thought I'd start a thread on this book because I finished it recently and I absolutely LOVED it. Has anyone else read it?

Allende's writing is so evocative and poetic, it's such a good read. The story spans generations of the de Valle family, starting with Clara, a claravoiant and strange girl, and ending with her grandaughter Alba. The book has sought of mystic elements to it and the writing really reminds me of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Some of the characters are supposed to be based around the writer and politician Pablo Neruda and Allende's cousin Salvador Allende, the Chilean president killed in a coup in the 70s.

Can anyone tell me another good book by Allende I should read next?

[Lu]

I enjoyed The House of Spirits. I agree with you Dom, when I read One Hundred Years of Solitude, the writing and the atmosphere sort of reminded me of Allende's work.

I read only another book by Isabel Allende, My Invented Country and I found it really interesting. My cousin recommended me Daughter of Fortune, but I haven't read it yet.

[annak]

I really liked House of Spirits. However, my favorite definitely is Eva Luna. It's less mystic magic than House of Spirits but I think it has amazing side characters. It really is an amazingly cool book you should definitely try out.

[Dominique]

Thanks for the recommendations I will try those out.