Rating: 
Summary: La historia de una familia unida
Review: From the first lines -- "Barrabas came to us by sea' -- I loved this book. I had never read any magical realism before and I think that this is a wonderful introduction to the genre. This book has prompted me to learn a lot more about Chile and south America, and was influential in making me choose to live in Chile next year as an exchange student. As a young person, I identified most with Blanca and the problems that she had with her father -- she was my favorite character. I have since read "Love in the Time of Cholera" which I did not enjoy as much, although it has a similar style. Also, "Eva Luna" by Allende is good, but I think that "The House of the Spirits" was such a magnificent book that little could compare. I read this book first in English and now I am attempting the original Spanish -- much harder, but also beautiful.
Rating:
Summary: A book bound my connection
Review: Allende stunned me with her words, describing such vivid imagery. After reading her work I came to the realization that the story wasn't as much a tale of fiction, but a factual one in time and place - so I wondered about the characters? I studied this novel in my senior level English course and appreciated this book, as did my fellow classmates It's characters connect with me personally, with each other, and with the oppression which is real history - to my surprise. Allende's story seemed so realistic, so when I researched the history behind it, she began to resemble the characters that I had grown so attached to. Chile was a place that I had known nothing about, it has now become a place that I desire to visit, so rich. Allende talks about the communism, oppresion, and politics which were extremely close to home, her father who I found out was a historical figure, had some involvement in the coup. This was the icing to a beautiful tale, an epic that is a testiment to family and redemption. I would love to read any other novel that offers such a deep impact in its readers, the sincerity and facts bind a tale woven tightly by the people. A superb writer.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinario!!!!
Review: Es un libro que te mantiene en suspenso desde el principio hasta el final. Con este libro ella demuestra volver hacer una magnifica escritora.
Rating:
Summary: A truly magnificent epic story
Review: This is an absorbing story about the influence of great families such as the Truebas on history and the influence of history on great families. Its central theme - that past, present and future all interact with one another and are actually one whole system - teaches the reader something real yet magical. This book is definitely worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Magical, Enchanting and full of surprises!
Review: I have read this book over and over again. Each time I pick it up I am transported back with my friends. When I lose faith in the family unit I just pick up this book, and my confidence is restored. Love conquers all in this book and even lessons are learned through tragedy. This is a good book for both men and women.
Rating:
Summary: Not only talented writing, but also talented translating
Review: Although I found The House of the Spirits a very slow-reading book, I found it nonetheless captivating. The biggest reason for the slowness is that there is very little dialog.The characters not only accomplish something in each of their lives, but they also grow, as well. It's quite clear that in the beginning Clara is a young girl and her age is equally clear as she grows and matures. The best thing that I have found out about the book, since I have no knowledge of South American histories, is that the book is semi-autobiographical. That made the book all of more meaningful to me, knowing how close this story is to the author.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: This book was very enjoyable, I had to read it for a class. I did not want to read the book, I got the video version, It was nothing like the book at all. After reading the good reviews, I found that I could not put the book down. Very soulful, spirit filed, and political. A Must Read
Rating:
Summary: bizarre, shocking, spellbinding
Review: a hauntingly wonderful novel with rich descriptions of chile and the souls of the characters
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic.
Review: I also had to read this book as part of the IB curriculm, and I had heard it's reputation and was not looking forward to it. But when I got into it I discovered a depth in the characters, a fluid transition from one generation to another, and a political debate that was intriguing. This does not mention the internal debate as to whether the sexual material was required. I believe it was to give the book the truth of human nature.
Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: As a student, I found her book full of depth, and a maturity that is worthy of respect. The characters had a meaning, a fluid movement through time that connected with me as a woman.
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