Blending history with the supernatural, best-selling novel The House of the Spirits launched the literary career of Isabel Allende back in the 1980s and went on to become a staple in school curriculums around the world. 

The story explores themes of classism, politics and surrealism as it centers on a family’s multigenerational line of women: Clara, Blanca and Alba. It’s now set to get the big-budget TV treatment with a lavish eight-episode TV adaptation hitting Prime Video this week. 

What’s the plot for The House of the Spirits?

Set at the turn of the 20th century in a fictionalized version of Chile, the sprawling tale follows three generations of the Trueba family as they traverse societal, economic and personal struggles, including secret romances and violent social upheaval.

Leading the cast is Rebel Moon star Alfonso Herrera as strict patriarch Esteban Trueba. Nicole Wallace and Dolores Fonzi share the role of Esteban’s clairvoyantly gifted wife, Clara del Valle, through various times in her life.

It’s not the first time that the beloved book has received the on-screen treatment, with the novel receiving a movie adaptation back in 1993 with an all-star cast that included Meryl Streep, Winona Ryder and Jeremy Irons. However, this new Spanish-language version looks set to be a more authentic interpretation of the source material. 

How to watch The House of the Spirits

This eight-episode series is exclusive to Prime Video, and premieres with the opening installment and two other episodes on Wednesday, April 29. A new episode will be released each Wednesday on the streaming service. The final chapter is set to be released on June 3.

Prime Video’s standard service comes with ad breaks for US viewers. If you want to go ad-free, there’s an additional $5 monthly fee. This option is available to both Amazon Prime subscribers and those with a standalone Prime Video membership. For more information about the streamer, check out our review.