House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits—soon to be a Prime Video original series—is a sweeping, unforgettable novel that blends family history, political turmoil, and magical realism into one extraordinary story. Widely praised as a “spectacular… absorbing and distinguished work,” it stands as both a vivid personal saga and a powerful allegory for the past, present, and future of Latin America.

The novel follows three generations of the Trueba family, beginning with Esteban Trueba, a fiery and ambitious patriarch whose hunger for power shapes the family’s fate. His wife, Clara, is a gentle, intuitive woman with deep spiritual gifts and a connection to the supernatural world. Their daughter Blanca defies her father through a forbidden love that leads to the birth of Alba, Esteban’s beloved granddaughter. Strong-willed and compassionate, Alba becomes the family’s hope as political tensions rise and the country moves toward revolution.

Rich, emotional, and brilliantly told, this modern classic introduced Allende as one of the great storytellers of our time.