Isabel Allende Scores Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           I have read several of Allende's book, and enjoyed every one.  "The Japanese Lover" delves into some emotionally heavy stuff-- a compromised love that cannot be fully realized, the nature of loneliness, old age, and facing the end of one's life, and while that may seem wrenching, there is a flood of hope throughout this gorgeously written book that keeps it from being wrenching, unlike "Manchester By The Sea."

                                             Alma and Irina are from backgrounds as different as can be. But each have compelling, vaguely disturbing stories, that move and fascinate. And in some way draws both of them together.  Although the title refers to events surrounding Alma's life, and the novel could be said to be her story, it is also that of Irina, and Alma's grandson, Seth. As well as the title character.

                                               Beautifully telescoped, yet covering several years, "The Japanese Lover" is a must for Allende admirers, and a splendid introduction to those having yet to discover her.   As the novel drew to a close, I found myself moved in ways books seldom do.  The author tackles some hard issues here, but not in a way that makes the reader afraid to face them.