I was thrilled to read something that Isabel Allende has written since I've wanted to do so for a long time. And this short story felt like a good start. However, "Lovers at the Museum" just didn't rock my boat, and frankly, I was very much disappointed since I was looking forward to a magical love story. This story was just weird and uninteresting. I hope Allende's books are better than this.

3.5 stars

I really enjoy Isabel Allende’s writing style. This short story was ethereal and kept me guessing where it was going to go the whole time I was reading it. Bibaña Aranda wakes up in the Guggenheim in Bilbao still in her wedding dress unsure of how she got there, and in the arms of a man she doesn’t know. It was a cute short story and left me wanting more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Runaway bride, Bibiña, wakes up in the Guggenheim Museum with a stranger after a transcendent night of sex and merriment. Unsurprisingly, the police don't believe their fantastical explanation, but they can’t explain how they spent the night in the Guggenheim undetected either. As the detective assigned to the case attempts to reconstruct the evening, he comes to realize that sometimes love does indeed defy logic.

I’d like to preface this by saying that I do not read short stories often and therefore the following statement may sound nonsensical: this felt too short. Too abrupt. I loved the concept, and the story was sweet, but I think that a character like Detective Larramendi needed more time to develop. I would love to have seen this as a novel.

I enjoyed this short story -- gorgeous and haunting, as all of Allende's work. I might have missed some of the nuance, because LOVERS AT THE MUSEUM didn't seem to have that expansive quality of some of her other work. Still recommended, as it was original and beautiful.

This was a nice short story, with enough dreamy surrealistic vibes to keep me guessing where it would go.

Isabel Allende's 'Lovers at the Museum' is a captivating journey through love, loss, and the power of human connection. Set against the backdrop of a museum filled with secrets and treasures, Allende weaves a rich tapestry of characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. From the passionate romance at the heart of the story to the intricate historical details, every page is infused with Allende's signature blend of magic and realism. Fans of Allende's work will find 'Lovers at the Museum' to be a poignant and uplifting addition to her remarkable literary repertoire.

The tale of Lovers at the Museum by Isabel Allende delves into the captivating intersection of love and art, where the rationality of logic bends against the storms of passion. Set against the backdrop of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the titular lovers defy both legal norms and logical constraints in their whirlwind romance. Allende skillfully juxtaposes pragmatism with passion, portraying art and love as beacons of magic amidst a world fraught with political turmoil and scandal.

As someone who cherishes both love and art, particularly within the confines of museums, I found this short story to be a delightful yet somewhat fleeting experience, offering a surreal and satisfying glimpse into the extraordinary.

There's an enchanting allure to the notion of a museum that opens its doors to those ensnared in the throes of passion. The narrative revolves around the investigation of the "Bewitched Lovers," discovered entwined on the museum floor, their presence defying logic and eluding surveillance. Their escapades, reminiscent of an art installation exploring the theme of intense and spontaneous 'carnal love,' challenge conventional understanding. The story poses the intriguing possibility of an alternate reality or a hidden realm within the fabric of time, where magic thrives unnoticed amidst political scandal and sensationalism.

Allende's direct yet eloquent prose infuses the narrative with charm and whimsy, underscoring the enduring enchantment of art. The story boldly disregards societal norms, empowering the whims of desire over social conventions. However, amidst its attempt to capture a moment of swift and potent romance, there arises a murky question of consent. The portrayal of the runaway bride in a state of intoxication and grief, juxtaposed with her lover's sobriety, raises concerns of potential exploitation.

While Lovers at the Museum may not be a tale of grandeur, its embrace of the fantastical offers a brief yet enchanting escape into a world where magic still thrives.

Lovers at the Museum is an enjoyable short story about two lovers found one morning at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Entangled together are a young woman in a wedding dress and a naked man, found by museum staff. They are individually interrogated by a local police detective. The couple claims to have walked into the museum the evening before shortly after meeting, but their presence triggered no alarms or showed up on any cameras. They enjoy a passionate and magical night together and describe statues dancing and diamonds raining down outside. The story is fascinating and moves swiftly. I enjoyed the magical elements, but I wish it had gone deeper. I think I would have preferred to read the story of the lovers in their perspective over their wild evening. Overall, a wonderful short story from one of the best modern-day authors.

this feels like the start to a fairytale. i liked the magical realism in this and the inexplicable surrounding this exploration of the lovers. the hound was also a fun foil to the mystical nature of the lovers.

as with most short stories, the ending was a little abrupt and didn't wrap up the fairytale as much as i would have liked.

Isabel Allende's latest work, "Lovers at the Museum," is a delightful exploration of the mystery of love. From its enchanting characters to its poetic prose, this short story captivates readers from the very first line.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Allende's masterful character development. Each character feels alive and vibrant, inviting readers to become fully immersed in their individual worlds. Whether they're making you giggle or leaving you yearning to know more, these characters are the heart and soul of the story.

Allende's writing is nothing short of delicious, with a whimsical and romantic tone that never feels childish or pretentious. Her prose flows effortlessly, painting vivid scenes that linger in the mind long after the book is finished. It's a testament to her skill as a storyteller that she can weave such a compelling narrative with such grace and beauty.

The story itself is wonderfully mysterious, drawing readers in with its blend of romance and intrigue. As the plot unfolds, you'll find yourself swept up in the magic of it all, eagerly turning pages to uncover the secrets of why two lovers were found knotted together in the museum; a tale that is both enchanting and unforgettable.

Rating: 4.5 Stars.

What sets "Lovers at the Museum" apart is its perfect balance of plot and character development. While the pacing is quick, it never feels rushed, allowing readers to fully engage with the story and its richly drawn characters. Even with only a little information about each character, you'll find yourself falling in love with them all the same.

If there's one complaint to be made, it's that the story is over too soon. Readers will find themselves wishing for more, reluctant to leave behind this little world Allende has created. However, this is a testament to the book's quality, leaving readers hungry for more of its artistry and storytelling.

For me "Lovers at the Museum" is a triumph of literature, showcasing Allende's strong artistry and technical prowess. I confidently recommend it to others for its engaging story, beautiful writing, and characters that will stay with you long after the final page. It's a story that deserves to be savored and cherished, and one that will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of lovers for years to come.

The book as a meal: Today I ate something new, and I am not sure wether I like it or not
The book left me: Confused? What happened?

Why did this call out to me?
Cover was stunning. Description seemed cool. Wanted a little romance.

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Gobbled up. You pick this up once and just blast through it.

Issues:
The back and forth between the characters seemed somewhat unnecesary
No proper satisfying ending
I wish it was longer :--(

Good things:
Surprisingly funny for what it was
Entertaining

How did it feel to read?
I felt really confused, and related to a specific character in "headaches" and "oh my god, can we please just get an explanation already?"

What mood would I read this in?
I want something surreal, I have just been in a museum with my partner and wanted "action" with the statues, I am high off my mind and want what they have

Where does this fall in my tier list ranking?
This goes right into C. I had somewhat higher expectations, but it was entertaining enough

Whimsical short story that was fun to read.
- Lyrical writing
- Short read
- Romance
- Interesting concept

It was a good read but it didn't quiet hit the spot for me.

Romantic, whimsical, and dreamy! The description of the world that Bibiña says they ascended to is so lyrical. Loved this short story!

Personally, I didn't enjoy this story all that much. I felt like the actual story wasn't what I was expecting based on the book's description. Also, I personally found that this book was written that well. The prose was very basic and so was the dialogue. The way it started, with the woman waking up in her wedding dress and the man naked, was promising and I was intrigued. Unfortunately, the story did not deliver. The writing just felt rushed. I did enjoy the magical realism. Honestly, this story was also too short. It tried to pack too much into the amount of pages that are here.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story!

I'm big on show, don't tell.
I think this story was generally well written, but I was expecting something else.
I didn't see the magical connection, I didn't feel it.
I was told.
The set up in general was good, and the story was overall well written, but it was just not this magical love story I was expecting. It was a bit like someone explaining a story to me. It was a good explanation, and I'd love to love to actually read <i>that</i> story.
So yeah. this was good, but it could have been better.

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for an ARC of Lovers at the Museum in exchange for my honest opinion. I've never read the author's work before, but she is my mother's favorite writer, so I thought a short story would be a good introduction to her writing.
This short story was interesting. The descriptions of the museum and the outfits were incredible. I envisioned an ideal image of the setting for the story. However, I didn't really connect with the characters or the plot. I think I need to read more than 25 pages by the author to decide if I am a fan.

It was a fun romp of a read that was very feverdreamesque. I loved the writing style! I did feel like the characters almost came out of nowhere though.

Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors. I was excited to be approved for the short story Lovers at the Museum. It was a short story that packed a punch. I really enjoyed it and wanted to know more about what happened to the characters.

Lovers at the Museum is a captivating tale that intertwines love, art, and history seamlessly. Allende's rich prose and vivid characters bring the museum setting to life, making it a truly immersive read. With its intricate plot and poignant romance, this book is a masterpiece that will leave readers enchanted and longing for more.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story!
This was a sweetly weird story and could probably benefit from being a bit longer. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it even though it was not what I expected it to be.