For the first review of the 2024, I decided to read another work by Isabel Allende. Originally published in 1982, The House of the Spirits is arguably Allende's most well-known work. It follows the family of Esteban Trueba through three generations as they navigate life in Chile throughout the 20th century, and during the country's many political and social trials.
The Situation: Clara del Valle is a strange child, and is known for her paranormal abilities as well as her predictions of death. Little does she know that the death of her eldest sister, Rosa, (which she also accurately predicted) will lead Clara to be engaged to her sister's intended many years later. Esteban Trueda is determined to make his own fortune, a well as a name for himself, and makes free use of both his physical strength and his terrible temper to do so. Together with Clara, the two of them raise a family in both the city and the country, allowing their fortune and their children to grow as the political landscape changes with the decades.
The Problem: If there is anything Esteban Trueba will not stand for it is the spreading of communist ideas, either in his home in the city or his hacienda in the country. But his daughter Blanca has tied her fate to a young man she has known since she was a child, a man who believes the people should rise up against the current powers, the ones that Esteban Trueba believes in and has supported his entire life. While Blanca may be defiant and distant when it comes to her father, her daughter Alba will be the one he cherishes the most, all while the country continues forward in an increasingly volatile political climate. Eventually, the unthinkable happens, and the moments that were supposed to bring hope also bring incredible violence and fear.
Genre, Themes, and History: This is a historical fiction novel set in 20th century Chile. Though the country is never explicitly named, and a dates nor years are ever given, certain events in history are given as clues as to what decade the story has entered (such as news of a great war in Europe, and the moon landing), along with descriptions of Chile's own political landscape and history. The story may begin with a focus on Clara, but it soon shifts to Esteban Trueba, who occasionally takes over the narration to offer clarification, and even the occasional rant. Magical realism is front and present, mostly through Clara, though Alba also attempts to maintain her grandmother's habits of speaking to the dead and making predictions.
My Verdict: For the first half of the novel, this appeared to be one of those books that I would happily read for forever if I could. I would have loved to be able to simply keep turning pages, and keep following the Trueba following throughout their time in Chile. But as is the case with many things, politics entered the equation, and its presence took the attention of not only the characters in the story, but the reader as well, allowing for an ending that is tense, exhausting, and painfully realistic. Esteban Trueba's intense personality dominates much of the first half of the story, but even so, Allende's narrative moves effortlessly, as each colorful character is introduced, and each new trial threatens to upend the family, even into the tumultuous final chapters that caused me so much grief.
Favorite Moment: Without giving too much away, there is a moment when Clara makes a drastic decision based on her husband's horrible behavior. And though it may seem small in the grand scheme of everything that is happening, and it is doubtful it will cause Esteban to change, her ability to stick to her decision is a clear message to him, and satisfying to watch as it plays out.
Favorite Character: Jaime Trueba is one of Clara's brothers, and despite how he was raised, grows up to be a shy and compassionate doctor who is adored by his niece Alba.
Recommended Reading: The early pages of this book reminded me of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garciá Márquez, a book I can never recommend enough.
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