The House of the Spirits

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Sundrop

Sunny the Great & Wonderful
Jun 12, 2008
28,520
156,619
Has anyone read this novel written by Isabel Allende? I have not, but I intend to.....
The book is on the reading list for our high school's Honors English class, and has been challenged by a local parent. She has made all kinds of statements about how filthy it is, citing sexual deviance and immoral acts depicted throughout the novel.
So far, the school board has upheld use of the novel....the lady is on her third and final appeal.
Yesterday, a client came to the salon soliciting signatures for a petition to basically ban the book.
I asked him if he had read the book for himself, and he said he has only read excerpts. I told him that I had not read it either, and could not make a judgement call or sign any petition without having done so.

Thoughts? Opinions?
 

HollyGolightly

Well-Known Member
Sep 6, 2013
9,660
74,320
54
Heart of the South
Oh no! I always think banning books is a bad idea! I read it and loved it and I don't recall much explicit sex - but maybe it wasn't graphic, just inferred. My daughter had to read it when she was in high school and it didn't bother me at all. But we're kind of chill about that around here. I'm more apt to be bothered by extreme violence than sex - but still I don't shelter my children from it.
 

Sundrop

Sunny the Great & Wonderful
Jun 12, 2008
28,520
156,619
Oh no! I always think banning books is a bad idea! I read it and loved it and I don't recall much explicit sex - but maybe it wasn't graphic, just inferred. My daughter had to read it when she was in high school and it didn't bother me at all. But we're kind of chill about that around here. I'm more apt to be bothered by extreme violence than sex - but still I don't shelter my children from it.
I've spoken to several former students who read the novel and they didn't remember anything inappropriate. We have some extremely backward thinking people in the area.....it's a shame, really.
I have also learned that there is always an alternate book which any student is allowed to opt to read instead of the one chosen.
 

HollyGolightly

Well-Known Member
Sep 6, 2013
9,660
74,320
54
Heart of the South
Hmmm, after thinking on it bit,
I do think someone might have been homosexual, but I don't think that qualifies as deviant. I almost think it was the mom - like someone moved in with them - oh yes it was the husband's sister and she and the wife got very cozy, but I don't recall it being explicit - just sweet and made the husband livid with jealousy
. It was quite a great book.
 
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