The House of the Spirits Isabelle Allende

Have just read this book for the first time whilst on holiday and was totally hooked. It's an epic tale, charting three generations of an extended family at a time of huge political upheaval in latin america. The book is rich with amazing characters, intense relationships and incredible moments which will have you laughing, crying, feeling angry, horrified and overwhelmingly happy - it stayed with me for a long time. Only problem was finding something to read afterwards - I started a couple of books which I had to discard cos it was such a hard act to follow!

This book is absolutely mesmerising, I first read it as a young teen, and have re-read it a multitude of time. It is absolutely hypnotic, charting the rise and fall of an almost supernatural family. The plot covers love, loss, life , politics, poverty in a complicated yet never confusing narrative.The descriptions of life are so very evocative, the words really resonate. It is a book that you just want to dive in to, and for it not to end. There are so many complex and interesting characters, all of whom are well drawn and brought to life, some charming, some hateful, some doomed.....A completely bewitching novel, that has been a firm favourite with me for more years than I care to remember!