What compassion did I glean from this latest novel from one of my favorite authors? I ask that question to remind myself that during this time of political unrest my purpose in reading is to gain compassion, to gain understanding of the Other, and to give me hope. This book didn’t disappoint me in living into my goal.
Compassion for the immigrant, whether legal or not; for what they left behind and what they have entered into. Many come here just to stay alive. Most have left hardship, terror, poverty, corruption, and truth be told, they find the same here. But, in the midst of this, Allende weaves threads of love, friendship, caring and hope.