I knew I had read this, but was not sure when. In going over my old journals, I found the date for it. This is one of my mother's favorites, and I think that I can see why. Here is what I wrote back then.

>>The element of magical realism was good, though not as strong as Garcia Marquez. The plot was interesting, and the use of regression was very effective with the epilogue serving to bring the novel full circle. I felt for the character of Esteban Trueba, who fell victim of his own anti-communist obsession with the coup. I liked the presence of spirits and the books of Marcos (yet these were not detailed in any way in terms of content). I enjoyed the tale overall. I do recommend it. <<