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368
Novel • Fiction
Unnamed Latin American Country • Mid-20th Century
1987
Adult
18+ years
Eva Luna by Isabel Allende, translated by Margaret Sayers Peden, follows the life of Eva Luna, an orphaned storyteller, navigating her way through a series of transformative adventures in an unnamed South American country amidst political upheaval. Eva's journey intertwines with a cast of vibrant characters, highlighting themes of love, resilience, and revolution over several decades. The novel includes mentions of abuse, including child abuse and sexual abuse, and contains descriptions of death by suicide.
Emotional
Inspirational
Fantastical
Mysterious
Romantic
56,226 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eva Luna by Isabel Allende and translated by Margaret Sayers Peden is celebrated for its rich, imaginative storytelling and vibrant characters. Reviewers commend its lyrical prose and vivid portrayal of Latin American culture. However, some criticize the narrative’s pacing and occasional melodrama. Overall, it's praised as a compelling, magical realist novel with a strong protagonist.
Readers who enjoy The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende or One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez will find Eva Luna captivating. This novel appeals to those who appreciate richly woven tales blending magic realism, complex characters, and socio-political themes in Latin American settings.
56,226 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rolf Carlè
Eva's parallel love interest and a skilled news reporter who uses his experiences to shed light on social injustices, revealing an intricate blend of rationality and dreaminess.
Huberto Naranjo/Comandante Rogelio
A friend and lover of Eva who becomes involved with a guerrilla revolutionary movement and personifies a spirit of political change amidst personal complexities.
Mimí
Eva’s closest friend, a trans woman with remarkable resilience who becomes a celebrated actress, supporting Eva in their shared hopes and personal pursuits.
Consuelo
Eva’s mother, who fills Eva’s early life with love and stories, instilling in her daughter the notion that storytelling is a crucial means of survival.
Elvira
The cook at Eva’s first employer’s home, who acts as Eva’s nurturing grandmother-like figure and imparts valuable life lessons about strength and integrity.
Madrina
The cook at Professor Jones's house who becomes Eva's guardian, her life marred by personal hardships and societal cruelty, reflecting the harshness of her world.
368
Novel • Fiction
Unnamed Latin American Country • Mid-20th Century
1987
Adult
18+ years
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