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Empress of the Splendid Season
Empress of the Splendid Season
Author: Oscar Hijuelos
Through four novels in the last decade, Oscar Hijuelos has produced a body of work that is without rival in contemporary literature, both in the lush, incantatory rhythms of his extraordinary prose and in his profound and heartfelt vision. In this transcendent new story, Hijuelos tells the story of Lydia Espana, a beautiful and formerly prospero...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780694520343
ISBN-10: 0694520349
Publication Date: 2/1/1999
Rating:
  • Currently 2.3/5 Stars.
 3

2.3 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Book Type: Audio Cassette
Other Versions: Paperback, Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Empress of the Splendid Season on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't put this book down. This is a story about a Cuban woman in the United States, but it's really a story about the American Dream. The cover says it all. A woman in a glittery dress and heels . . . mopping. This juxtaposition of fanciful hope and mundane reality runs all through the novel. I highly recommend.
Read All 5 Book Reviews of "Empress of the Splendid Season"

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GrannyGamer avatar reviewed Empress of the Splendid Season on + 153 more book reviews
Although somewhat "plotless" the book develops some wonderful characters. But I have the feeling that the abridged version lost a lot.
Bonnie avatar reviewed Empress of the Splendid Season on + 422 more book reviews
A lovely story written by the author of those beautiful novels, The Mambo Kings Sing Songs of Love, and Mr. Ives' Christmas, read perfectly by Rita Moreno. The Empress is Lidia, the daughter of the mayor of a Cuban town before Castro, who disgraced her family with her easy ways with a man and was sent to NYC. This is the story of her life as a cleaning woman to the rich who supported her rebellious family after her husband's heart attack. I enjoyed this book, a mellow listen on those long rides to work or wherever, and recommend it.
reviewed Empress of the Splendid Season on + 628 more book reviews
Interesting memoir of a Cuban born emigre who becomes a house cleaner in NY, and her family. I had higher expectations for it than it delivered.
reviewed Empress of the Splendid Season on + 25 more book reviews
His best novel since his Pulitzer-winning "Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love."


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