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jenapple's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
alicesayshi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Racism
Moderate: Slavery and Trafficking
cafes's review against another edition
4.0
No tiene muchos giros argumentales, pero aún así la historia me pareció interesante y entretenida. El libro en síntesis -y a mi parecer-, trata de la evolución del personaje "Elisa" y como ésta va buscando su propio camino en una ciudad completamente nueva y sin mayores leyes. La novela está compuesta por peculiares y extravagantes personajes; creo que Isabel retrató muy bien la época en que contextualizó la novela y en conclusión, a mi me gustó bastante jj.
paoenrsan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cblace's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ccaguilar31's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
4.5****
Audio book performed by Blair Brown.
This is an historical novel set during the mid-19th century and taking the reader from South America to China to California during the Gold Rush. The story begins in Valparaiso, Chile, where a baby is left on the doorstep of wealthy British importers. Raised as their child, Eliza Sommers is now a young lady and her family begins to screen available young men to find the perfect suitor. But Eliza has a mind of her own. She falls for a handsome, fiery clerk – Joaquin Andieta – and they become lovers. Six weeks after he leaves for California to make his fortune and prepare the way for her, Eliza discovers she is pregnant. With the help of Tao Chi’en, a Chinese shipboard cook, she stows away on a ship bound for San Francisco and disappears from her family’s lives.
This is a sweeping historical epic full of interesting and varied characters and situations. At the core is a search for self, and a look at the roles society assigns to men and women. Allende weaves a seductive story, keeping the reader guessing as to what may happen next. As we careen from adventure to adventure the plot does get a little over-the-top in places, but I forgive Allende her excesses because it’s just such a darn good yarn! I was captivated and enthralled. And I love the ending!
Blair Brown does a wonderful job narrating this epic. There are a lot of characters to keep straight, though most scenes involve only two or three at one time. Her pacing was good, her pronunciation of Spanish names and words perfect, and she kept me totally immersed in the story.
Audio book performed by Blair Brown.
This is an historical novel set during the mid-19th century and taking the reader from South America to China to California during the Gold Rush. The story begins in Valparaiso, Chile, where a baby is left on the doorstep of wealthy British importers. Raised as their child, Eliza Sommers is now a young lady and her family begins to screen available young men to find the perfect suitor. But Eliza has a mind of her own. She falls for a handsome, fiery clerk – Joaquin Andieta – and they become lovers. Six weeks after he leaves for California to make his fortune and prepare the way for her, Eliza discovers she is pregnant. With the help of Tao Chi’en, a Chinese shipboard cook, she stows away on a ship bound for San Francisco and disappears from her family’s lives.
This is a sweeping historical epic full of interesting and varied characters and situations. At the core is a search for self, and a look at the roles society assigns to men and women. Allende weaves a seductive story, keeping the reader guessing as to what may happen next. As we careen from adventure to adventure the plot does get a little over-the-top in places, but I forgive Allende her excesses because it’s just such a darn good yarn! I was captivated and enthralled. And I love the ending!
Blair Brown does a wonderful job narrating this epic. There are a lot of characters to keep straight, though most scenes involve only two or three at one time. Her pacing was good, her pronunciation of Spanish names and words perfect, and she kept me totally immersed in the story.
raqui's review against another edition
2.5
a bit disappointed with this one - I love the house of the spirits but this was so boring...
the last half picks up a bit but still not very interesting
the main thing i liked was learning about the gold rush and history of california
the last half picks up a bit but still not very interesting
the main thing i liked was learning about the gold rush and history of california
hh2hl's review against another edition
4.0
مزيجٌ من العاطفة، السياسة والدين وتنقلات ما بين تشيلي والصين وكاليفورنيا كلًا يبحث عمّا يحتاجه، إما عن الذهب أو الحبّ أو الحكمة، وما كان بانتظارهم شيء آخر.. الحريّة.