The Chancellor has been at me for years to read Isabel Allende, and finally, I caved in. He chose Zorro for February’s book club, and I thought I would start by first reading The House of the Spirits. It’s drawn a lot of comparisons to Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, which on the surface seems fair, but honestly, I think Allende’s is the superior novel. Full review can be found at my blog, The Universe Disturbed.
Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I’m going to put this on my CBR-TBR. I’ve read three of Allende’s novels and they were spectacular (Island Beneath the Sea was my favorite).
The House of the Spirits is one of my favourite books of all time. If I had to pick a list of only ten books (which I hope no one ever makes me do, because dear God, it’ll be tough) this book would probably make the cut. The last third or so absolutely destroys me. Never watch the movie version, it’s rubbish in comparison.
I’ve never read any Allende or Márquez. I have a feeling I need to add them to my list in addition to giving Hemingway another shot.
I, too, think that Allende is the stronger writer between she and Marquez. I think her imagery isn’t quite so convoluted. Allende is also very strong at characterization and emotion without being campy or stereotypical. I need to re-read this one. I got to the last 2/3 and then didn’t finish. (It was college, I ran out of time. What can I say?)