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The House of the Spirits Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The House of the Spirits


An excellent novel that brings back the horrible dictatorship period in Chile. It's the story about a man that becomes obssessed with power and the need to feel accepted by his wife. It deals with problems in the family, as well as problems with inner self.
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The review of this Book prepared by Marjorie Lamperein




Three generations of women living in Chillie struggle with the patriarch of their family and with the political and social upheavals surrounding them. Clara is a psychic who marries Esteban Trueba, a staunch conservative, her daughter and gradndaughter are caught up, through love and family, in the conflicts. Linked by name - Clara, Alba and Blanca all meaning "White" they are three strong women with a will to have their own way and a loyalty to those they love that will defy almost anything. A superbly colourful book full of magical realism and actual history.
The review of this Book prepared by Bryn Pearson



Chapter Analysis of The House of the Spirits

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Plot & Themes

Tone of book?    -   upbeat    -   thoughtful Time/era of story    -   1960's-1970's Political/social activism    -   Yes Plotlet:    -   general liberal/left wing activism    -   fighting government corruption    -   women fighting for rights Ethnic/Regional/Religion    -   Spanish in America Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book War/Revolt/Disaster on civilians    -   Yes Ethnic/regional/gender life    -   Yes Conflict:    -   Revolution, general

Main Character

Gender    -   Male    -   Female Profession/status:    -   politician/elected ruler    -   homemaker Age:    -   long lived adults Has magical powers?    -   Yes Magical/mental powers of main character:    -   telekinesis    -   clairvoyant    -   can see into the future Ethnicity/Nationality    -   Hispanic/Latinic Unusual characteristics:    -   Super sensitive soggy jelly muffin

Setting

How much descriptions of surroundings?    -   7 () The Americas (not US):    -   Yes The Americas:    -   South Farm/Ranch?    -   Yes Farm/Ranch:    -   farm Misc setting    -   prison

Writing Style

Sex in book?    -   Yes What kind of sex:    -   descript of kissing    -   actual description of hetero sex    -   rape/molest Amount of dialog    -   mostly dialog    -   significantly more dialog than descript

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Isabel Allende Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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