There is an interesting story behind the conception of the novel. It is said that Isabel Allende got the news that her one hundred year-old grandfather was dying. She started writing a letter to her grandfather. This very letter, eventually, became manuscript of "The House of the Spirits."

The story covers the details upto the four generations of the Trueba family. It also traces the post-colonial social and political changes and upheavals which the people of Chile experienced.

Literature Companion: The House of the Spirits
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Epilogue
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis