(WPF) A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende

[SouthWestZippy]

2 stars
I can't write a better synopsis than what has been presented on the book information page so I am going to skip writing one.

I picked this book for a couple of reasons, it is historical fiction and is set in during the Spanish Civil War.

I have an ancestor who fought in the Spanish Civil War and a few who fled.

I tried very hard to give it my full attention but found myself struggling to follow the storyline. As much as I dread saying this I will, I enjoyed the romance part of the story. Romance stories are just not my type of book but this one was not over the top sappy sweet and has a nice balance within the storyline.

The story has a bit of scandal, hardship, and triumph. Overall It is a good story with strong and weak characters and a good mix of historical history and romance. I wish I could have given it more than two stars but I just can't do it.

[Cat]

Hi! I really enjoyed this book but I don't think it's Allende's strongest. Have you read any of her other novels? If not, I recommend Eva Luna, Portrait in Sepia, Daughter of Fortune and of course, the famous Houses of the Spirits (I hope I got all the English titles correct cos I read them in Spanish).

I think it's great you've written such an honest review! And the events your ancestors went through seem fascinating!

[SouthWestZippy]

Cat wrote: "Hi! I really enjoyed this book but I don't think it's Allende's strongest. Have you read any of her other novels? If not, I recommend Eva Luna, Portrait in Sepia, Daughter of Fortune and of course,..."

No, this is my first novel by her, I will give the others a try in the future.
Thanks for letting me know how you feel. Yes, both my maternal and paternal ancestors have been through a lot and I learn new things each time I do research on them. My maternal are the ones from Spain and Mexico.

[Joanne]

ALthough this was not one of her best, I still enjoyed it at 4 stars. She is an excellent story teller .

I would ecourage you to give her another chance. I have a feeling you might like Zorro, a 4 star read for me. Island Beneath the Sea is my all time favorite of hers-5 stars. The House of the Spirits just a "meh" 3 stars. I would advise you try one of the first two I mention if you give her another go.

[Joy D]

I liked this one more than you did, but it is not my favorite.

Along with Joanne's recommendations, I can add my favorite of hers:
Daughter of Fortune

[Joanne]

Joy D wrote: "I liked this one more than you did, but it is not my favorite.

Along with Joanne's recommendations, I can add my favorite of hers:
Daughter of Fortune"

I have this on my read shelf, without any stars or comments. Reading the blurb, for the life of me, I cannot remember this book. I may need to move it to TBR shelf.

[SouthWestZippy]

Thank you, everyone. I will put a couple on my TBR mountain.

[Cat]

🥰👍🏻💖📚