La Ciudad de las Bestias (Spanish Edition) Paperback – September 16, 2003

La Ciudad de las Bestias (City of the Beasts) by Isabel Allende is a passionate narrative for young adults in which reality and fiction, myth and fantasy coexist. The intricate and little known Amazonian jungle and the legendary city of El Dorado are the lush scenarios in which this magnificent and mysterious story unfolds.The reader immerses in the story and is able to feel it intensely despite a few flaws. In the passages in which Allende lets her imagination fly, the result is breathtaking, not so in the passages in which the children encounter and visit the tribe, for Allende emphasizes anthropology and natural history as if it were a lecture; in other words, the flow and freshness of the plot up to that point are interrupted.In my opinion, the narrative would have benefited more if conservationist messages had been avoided, but the story is very good regardless.La Ciudad de las Bestias (City of the Beasts) is the first novel written by Isabel Allende that I read, though I’m sure it won’t be the last. I had hesitated in tackling one of her books because her fame precedes her and I thought I could be disappointed; fortunately that wasn’t the case at all. She deserves all the accolades.

I teach high school Spanish and was searching for interesting reading material to build vocabulary/grammar skills in my upper tier 3rd/4th year students. I currently use mini-novels for 3rd year kids, but I had 2-3 really excelling students who wanted something more challenging with a "real plot" similar to novels they enjoy in English. The 3 students who chose to read this over the summer really loved the story line because it made them feel like they were reading a "real story with real characters that were interesting" I feel it is just the right level for a student finishing 3rd year. Kids who like the "Harry Potter" magic/fantasy genre love this. It is not a rip off of that theme, but has a more sophisticated take on ecology/fantasy/spirituality/cultural levels.I found that I really loved the novel myself, too! Allende is an outstanding author (I've read her more famous novels) and even for an adult, the characters are engaging and the plot moves along. In fact, I have read 2 out of the series of 3 because it is light reading for me in Spanish...a fun story for summer reading without having to do "high literature" but not sacrificing solid, interesting writing.

Honestly, I was reluctant to try to read this novel instead of using all the wonderful materials I have collected through the years. I am attempting it at the strong suggestion of the University in High School program I work with. I have been pleased with the repetition of useful vocabulary, the introduction to common expressions previously untaught, the coverage of the conservation issues concerning the Amazon, the culture of the indigenous people, the development of the characters, and, oh, all right, the Magical Realism. I am using it in a Spanish V class. They agreed to continue the novel when I gave them the option. If permission can be granted to view an R rated movie, The Emerald Forest seems to be a good companion. For me there has been an incredible amount of preparation in order to present this as a class activity.

This is a wonderful book. I am an intermediate level Spanish student and this is the first book I have read by a Spanish author. The story is excellent and Allende has a wonderful writing style. I do have to look up a lot of words in my Spanish dictionary, but have had no trouble following the story. It is a real page turner even for an adult although the book is written for youth. If you are an intermediate level Spanish students and looking for a challenge, this is a great book to read in Spanish. I plan to read the other three in the series as well.

Compré la novela para leer con mis alumnos de AP Español. Voy a elegir unos capítulos. Me encanta el estilo de Isabel Allende y ésta sería perfecto para jóvenes.I bought this to read with my AP Spanish students. I'll choose a few chapters. I love Isabel Allende's writing style and this would be perfect with teenagers.

I got this book to help practice up on my spanish reading skills. As i don't understand every word she uses, i was able to follow along with the story line and her simplicity of story telling surprised me that i actually knew what i was reading. As for the story itself, it is similar to jurassic park or other "ancient beasts left over from the stone age" type stories. Entertaining!

Los pequeños pasajes reflexivos, "Mi papa dice que el temor es bueno, es el sistema de alarma del cuerpo, nos avisa del peligro; pero aveces el peligro es inevitable y entonces hay que dominar el miedo.

The first in a trilogy of young adult fiction, this is a readable novel with momentum. I read criticisms of this novel that compared it unfavorably with other of Allende's works, which I believe to be unfair. Keep in mind the audience and intent of the genre. This is novel is lively, fun, and entertaining.

Description, delivery, value for money all fine.

Es un libro que un hijo va a leer! Ideal por regalo. Siempre un libro classico es el mejor regalo para todos

Excelente narrativa. Isabel Allende siempre nos sorprende con sus historias inigualablesEs un libro muy apropiado para jovenes en especial

Es el inicio de una trilogía espectacular, es definitivamente uno de mis libros favoritos, la manera en que Isabel Allende escribe me encanta simplemente te absorbe y es fácil transportarse con los personajes. Definitivamente una lectura obligada para los fans de la fantasía y acción, también súper recomendable para adolescentes 10/10

En la descripción y la imagen se hace referencia a la edición de 2021 (portada de fondo verde con la imagen de una pantera y una seepiente). La edición qie me han enviado dos veces, después de hablar con atención al cliente de Amazon, es la anterior que se ve en la forografia que adjunto (foto de una cara en blanco y negro)