Isabel Allende

Tony, you are spooky - how did you know that I have just started reading my first Gabriel Garcia Marquez?

Anyone read Louis de Berniere's south american stuff - the war of don emmanuel's nether parts or Senor Viva and the Coca Lord? Brilliant. Almost similar though much funnier (don't think Allende is trying to be funny so it's not a crit) but same sort of mysticism and great characters.

tried some of Louis de Berniere and got nowhere with it. I think his writing is too clever for me, just can't get anywhere with it.

Have to say, started Captain Correlli about six times and couldn't bear it but had read his fantasy latin american stuff first and thought it was fab. Which have you read Gail? I still think the War of Don Em... is his best.

I liked Capt Correlli - it was read on a beach in Crete and it just suited the occasion - and that led me into the rest of his stuff. I enjoyed it but I miss some of the mystical stuff that comes with marquez and allende - I don't think he's even in the same genre! Gail - enjoy marquez, he is a truly exceptional novelist - possibly the best of the 20th century. His touch and feel, his use of language, his descriptive power, his timing and rhythm are awesome. You will be having a wonderful mystical time of it for the next six months as you go through his canon!

Well, I've tried reading both Rachel - never managed to get into Captain Corelli, although I did enjoy the film which most people thought didn't do the book justice. I also tried the Nether parts one and it was just way beyond me. I reckon there are probably just some authors you don't click with, it just doesn't happen. now, Marquez on the other hand I am enjoying... just finished Of Love and Other Demons. Which is his best then? I've heard "A Hundred years of Solitude" is good.. might try that next.

My boyfriend gave me one of hers last time i visited him.. totally brilliant language isnt it? perfect...

I've read a few of her short stories...fantastic...and I'm doing a unit in 'Iberian literature' next year, hopefully, and she's on the reading list, hurray! Will have to track down Portrait in Sepia next though...

yes, lovely language. There are some beautiful characters. It's a book that will stay with me.

I bought it - from the Book Place! - last week and will read it next! I've read a number of her books and she knocked me out at first. I then got the feeling that there was a formula of mind/body/spirit going on that didn't really appeal. However I have been convinced to go back to her by a number of people raving about Portrait in Sepia. If you like her then give Gabriel Garcia Marquez a whirl. He is a genuine master!