Customer Reviews
Readable, but the writing's a little wooden - By: , 27 Sep 2005 
It's not a bad plot, & certainly it would have resonated with readers in the late 1980s, when it was first published. The main characters of Francisco & Irene are well-drawn. But there's something about Allende's style that means she will always be a lesser writer than, say, Garcia Marquez or Vargas Llosa. She does not stretch for that extra surprising word or image, the rhythm of her sentences ultimately becomes predictable, & sometimes she descends into mere cliche. The ending of this book is rather weak, as well. So read it, by alll means, but do not expect a Latin American 20th century classic.
A bit hard to get into, but a rewarding read. - By: , 29 Nov 2001 
I chose this novel from a list to write an essay based on the political themes in the story. I found the style a bit uncomfortble at first, but I have never read a book translated from Spanish before. Once I got around 100 pages in, I loved the story & stayed up late last night finishing it off.
Allende's greatest skill is making the reader care for her characters. Obviously, the oppressive regime infiltrates every level of the text, but primarily, it is the characters that we care for. We see the effect of autocratic militarian government on the people, rather than the economy of statistics.
I'm reallly glad that I chose to read this novel. I would recommend it to anyone who fancies a change in their normal reading matter. It's just a shame I'm writing a Politics essay, & not commenting on her wonderful style!
A book which makes you forget you need to eat and sleep! - By: looby_69@yahoo.com, 09 Nov 2000 Fantastic book! Allende's style of writing makes you falll in love with the characters, to the extent that you can visualise everything that goes on. Reallly easy to follow, & so enthrallling that I couldn't put it down! Many of the events & situations are based on fact, & that makes this book alll the more heart wrenching. It was just a shame that the book had to come to an end. I would have cried real tears at the ending if I hadn't have been on the bus at the time! I would reallly recommend this book.
