Rating: 
Summary: Contrived, Predictable...a waste of time
Review: Without the motivation of the book club to which I belong, I would have never read past the first chapter of this book; I already assumed (correctly) what would happen throughout the novel. Even if I had not predicted the subsequent events, I would not have been challenged--emotionally, intellectually, or otherwise--by the conflicts presented. The plot is, indeed, linear; however, it lack progression and climax.Though the plot itself is something to deride, the book's style is truly contemptible. D.O.F. is written in a tone rich in condescension and triteness. Only occaisionally did I find Allende's (or, I suppose in my case, the translator's) style to vivify her characters. Simply, her clearly contrived narrative renders disbelief of the reader; the characters are thinly developed and their decisions often unjustified. Perhaps that does not matter, though--the forced melodrama pervading the under-developed plot and characters induces intellectual nauseam and stasis. I understand that books of another language often lose meaning through translation to English. Conceding that, even, simply does not justify reading this book. Moreover, seeing D.O.F as a widely embraced, best-selling novel disheartens me and only further illustrates the attrition of our collective, national intellect. This book should make most readers shiver with disappointment and run towards the Classic Literature section of the book store...immediately.
Rating: 
Summary: Why did I wait so long?
Review: I did not read this book as soon as I bought it because of the reviews I read. I finally picked it up to take on a trip with me. I opened it on the plane and I was enthralled from page one. Not only is this book a history lesson it is a wonderful story of true love. I felt so touched by the struggles the characters went through just to survive. I loved most the fact that true love was found in a way that was not typical and that the love was based on all things good, pure and not what society puts upon us. I have passed this book on to a friend who is relishing such a beautifully written and expressed story. I can not wait for her next book. This is the first Oprah book I have given 5 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: Daughter of Fortune
Review: I was on my honeymoon when I read this book and got really involved with the characters. I enjoyed the book and was voraciously reading it when the book just ended! I was incredibly disappointed and just a bit angry! Is there going to be a sequel or series? I don't need a happy ending but I need a much more satisfying conclusion than this book gave me!
Rating:
Summary: Cultural Differences not so Vast
Review: This book was magical, yet believable. I could picture these characters vividly in my mind, and thoroughly enjoyed learning about people of different cultures. I could not wait to find out the ending, even though it was not as exciting as the build-up would have suggested. But isn't that real life? As in life, the journey is the real story, and not the ending.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book!
Review: The book was an easy read, I couldn't put it down! Aside from a great story, the historical information was icing on the cake. The ending is a little abrupt for those of us who like traditional endings but I would recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Leaves you wanting more
Review: I enjoy reading Allande's work. She seems to draw me into each of her characters leading me to wonder how much of herself is in each one, they are so believeable. Daughter Of Frotune leaves me wanting to know more about what happened with the rest of her life...
Rating:
Summary: Disappointment
Review: During the portion of the book which takes place in Chile, the writer held my attention and character development was adequate. The story line was a little far fetched and unfortunately, she chose to foreshadow the ending in two undeniable ways at the beginning of the book. If you are aware at all of California history, there will not only be no mystery in this book, but you may find that the premise is so simplistic and obvious that it borders on being insulting. The second half of the book lacks character, plot and contextual development. It almost seemed that she felt she needed to write a book and based her story on what she believed to be an obscure part of California's History. She erred in that, as it is, in fact, one of the more celebrated and oft told stories about California.
Rating:
Summary: worth reading
Review: While I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Allende's writing style and scope of research she obviously did to write this book, I felt that after she superbly spent the first half of the book setting the stage, the second half sort of went nowhere. Like she was weaving a tapestry and it started unraveling before she was done. Her writing style captivated me and that is what kept me interested in reading the book until the very last page. Definitely worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Where is the ending?
Review: Daughter of Fortune, This book was a quick read and I beleive that it was easy to follow. I also think that Isabel Allende is a very talented writer but this is not my favorite book of hers. I dont think she put enough time into the end she just cut the end out and left the readers with unfullfilled fantasys and broken hearts. I think Daughter of fortune should of been written better.
Rating:
Summary: I find the stars limiting....
Review: I listened to this book on tape while I was driving my son to school, and savored each moment like a delicate pastry. what a gift allende has, she makes it appear easy. miss rose, eliza, and all the characters sprang to life without pretense or guile. I lived this story along with the author, as the book unfurled I became hopelessly attached to the tremendous, yet subtle, story. some poeple will complain of slowness, I say it is like an intimate esperience that need never be rushed. she has topped House of the Spirits, and that is no easy task. Brilliant....
| 
