Michael’s Reviews > The House of the Spirits > Status Update

"The newspapers said that the beggars in the streets, a sight that had not been seen in years, had been sent by international Communism to discredit the military junta and undermine the return to order and progress"--(p. 381)

"It would be better if we used the money to buy the mass media. That would give us a way to manipulate public opinion, which is the only thing that really counts." Trueba says this after the Socialists win the election. 'Senator Trueba was right ... [A]nd on the date stipulated by law the left calmly came to power. And on that date the right began to stockpile hated.' (p. 343) History repeats itself.

"Miguel explained the the election was a joke and that whoever won, it would make no difference because you would just be changing the needle on the same old syringe..." This is uncannily reminiscent of our own modern drama.

"Miguel explained the the election was a joke and that whoever won, it would make no difference because you would just be changing the needle on the same old syringe..." This is uncannily reminiscent of our own modern drama.

"[Barrabás] slept by Clara's side with his head on her feather pillow and a quilt up to his neck because he was very sensitive to cold..."

Here is an author who understands the delicate sensibilities of our canine companions.

If the rest of this book is as lively and beautiful as the first 20 pages, then I'm in for a great ride.