The many tropes of South American literature can be cloying if not done well. Magical realism can move into absurdist fantasy, sweeping epics can become confusing, and political messages more text than subtext. In this book, Allende shows how she’s able to balance these with her usual prowess.   Generations passing along traits and trauma is a common theme in Allende’s work. The Japanese Lover reaches across the tragedy of the Polish Jewish community’s persecution under the Nazi, following the story of Alma’s escape […]