This read turned gripping eventually, after starting out a bit slow to build the world and introduce the times and characters, in typical Allende fashion.

I found myself hooked before long and I couldn’t help but admire the writing style. It managed to be both graphic and diplomatic at times … it is a mixture of ‘showing’ and ‘telling’ and it works well.

I’m not sure many could pull of making a political read addictive but it does get very political, showing lots of unrest on both sides. She also gave readers an impossibly strong FMC to adore and admire, especially when things got truly dark.

Touching and thought-provoking.

4 stars.