Books. Deemed one of the major literary works of the 20th century, 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende (Westminster, Maryland: Knopf, first English language edition, translated by Magda Bogin, 12 April 1985) is a family saga that relates the trials and tribulations of four generations in Chile, from the Post-Colonial period to the coup d'état in 1973. Women play a major role in the novel which traces social and political upheavals and family events, while incorporating touches of magical realism. As she covers political movements, social conflicts, reflections on personal matters, love and death, Allende paints a very dense picture.
Music. The cumbia originated in Colombia in the 1940s and spread to Peru 20 years later. Combining Caribbean, Native American and Spanish rhythms, it is the most listened to type of music in Peru. It borrows from rock, salsa, merengue and traditional music and is very popular for dancing.
Film. "No" (Pablo Larraín, 2012). The message is clear in 1988 Chile. Under international pressure, General Pinochet is forced to hold a referendum. For a Yes, he will stay. For a No, he will stand down from power. Power he took by force 13 years earlier. A fierce media battle raged before the plebiscite. A young advertising executive, René Saavedra (Gael García Bernal), is taken on by an agency to help the "No" win. He is more used to promoting consumer goods and is thrust into a world where ideals count. He learns a lot as he does his job, although is subject to doubt and pressure. Meanwhile, the film viewer is forced to question the influence of messages and propaganda.
