Book Review – OF LOVE AND SHADOWS by Isabel Allende
Of Love and Shadows Synopsis
Set in a country of arbitrary arrests, sudden disappearances and summary executions, Isabel Allende’s magical new novel tells of the passionate affair of two people prepared to risk everything for the sake of justice and truth. Irene Beltran, a reporter, comes from a wealthy background; Francisco Leal, a young photographer secretly engaged in undermining the military dictatorship, is strongly attracted by her beauty. It does not matter that Irene’s fiance is an army captain: each time Francisco accompanies her on a magazine assignment, he falls more deeply in love with her.When they go to investigate the mysterious case of Evangelina Ranquileo, a girl suffering from spectacular fits which are rumoured to have miraculous powers, the arrival of soldiers adds a sinister aspect to the mystery. And then Evangelina disappears. Irene and Francisco, in trying to trace her and indict the Junta, become engulfed in a vortex of terror and violence. (The Book Depository)
Book Review
Of Love and Shadows has it all – hope, faith, sorrow, pain, humour, heartache and happiness.
Protagonists Irene Beltran and Francisco Leal, an unlikely alliance, are a force to be reckoned with. They dare to challenge people’s thinking and risk their lives in doing so.
Isabel Allende’s Of Love and Shadows is a story of courage and passion that will stay with you long after reading.
Allende’s prose is so luxurious and versatile, switching from heart-stopping action sequences to magical moments of reflection and contemplation with ease. The story is also cloaked in a mystical veil of South American folklore, reminiscent of the writing of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
I am often shocked and saddened at the appalling way humans treat each other on the basis of racial or religious differences. Of Love and Shadows is an example of fiction that, in shining the light on such inequities and atrocities, can help change a generations thinking. This is highly recommended reading.
BOOK RATING: The Story 5 / 5 ; The Writing 4.5 / 5
BOOK DETAILS: Of Love and Shadows (The Book Depository); Of Love and Shadows
Genre: Action-Adventure, Drama, Romance, Historical
Author Information: Isabel Allende is a Chilean American author born in Lima, Peru in 1942. Allende has 18 titles published to date, spanning almost 30 years. Isabel Allende’s website is a treasure trove of information, from photos, interviews, speeches and published works.
Other Reviews Of Love and Shadows by Isabel Allende : Magill Book Reviews ; A Bookworm’s Life ; Book Nook Club
I have read this book becaouse of you. Just wanted to say thank you very much.
I am so glad you enjoyed this Davor. I read it on recommendation also.