I wanted to spend more time with these characters. It’s moving and magical, even in its brevity. 

I loved the rumbling of magical realism in the background of this one. It’s another powerful novel from Allende. The way it draws parallels from the Kindertransport and modern treatment of ‘illegal’ immigrants in the US was powerful and original.

The cruelty of humanity hovers in this novel, but is beaten back by our various narrators/protagonists. Violence against women, the power of wealth, poor treatment of migrants, the abuse faced by children in the foster system, loss and grief… there’s so much pain that touches this novel. And yet, it feels somewhat hopeful. 

I love Allende. She has such a beautiful voice and I’ve not read a single novel by her that I haven’t enjoyed. My only criticism is that it was too short for me. I wanted to dive deeper into each of their worlds. I wanted to explore Azabahar. But part of the beauty of this book is needing to imagine this yourself, putting yourself in the story in some way, and adding flesh to the powerful bones Allende provides us.