La casa de los espíritus

The House of the Spirits is the debut novel by the writer Isabel Allende. The book was born when Allende received news that her grandfather was dying; it began as a letter which ultimately became the starting point for the novel itself. The story contains both autobiographical elements and magical realism. It follows the Trueba family, a narrative that centers on a few main characters; nevertheless, the story also reflects a broader political context, which is highlighted during the period of the 1973 Chilean coup d'état.

Initially, the book was rejected by several publishers, but starting in 1982, it became an instant success. That same year, the novel was named "Novel of the Year" in Chile. From Barcelona, the book gained worldwide acclaim, bringing Isabel Allende immense fame throughout the literary world. Today, The House of the Spirits has been translated into more than 20 languages and was adapted for the big screen in 1993.

Muy bonito libro, con una historia a ratos ligera, a ratos cruda, con dejos de Cien años de soledad. Me alegro de haberlo leído al menos una vez en la vida.