born: AUGUST 2, 1942
died: -
nationality: CHILEAN
movement: MAGICAL REALISM
Isabel Allende is a renowned Chilean author whose works have been translated into more than 40 languages. Born in 1942, Allende has written over 20 books, including novels, short stories, and memoirs. With her unique blend of magical realism, political critique, and strong female characters, she has captivated readers worldwide and garnered numerous accolades throughout her career.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Isabel Allende was born on August 2, 1942, in Lima, Peru, to Tomás Allende, a Chilean diplomat, and Francisca Llona Barros. Her parents separated when she was young, and she moved with her mother and siblings to Chile. Allende attended several private schools and later enrolled in a journalism program at the University of Chile.
In 1962, Allende married her first husband, Miguel Frías, with whom she had two children, Paula and Nicolás. During the 1960s and 1970s, she worked as a journalist for various publications and television programs in Chile and Venezuela.
CAREER AND LITERARY SUCCESS
Isabel Allende’s literary career took off with the publication of her debut novel, The House of the Spirits (1982), which she began writing as a letter to her dying grandfather. The novel, a blend of magical realism and family saga, gained international acclaim and became a bestseller.
Allende’s subsequent works often touch on themes of love, oppression, and the search for identity. Her novels typically feature strong female protagonists and vivid descriptions of Latin American history and culture. Some of her most well-known works include Eva Luna (1987), The Stories of Eva Luna (1989), and The Infinite Plan (1991).
TOP 10 BOOKS BY ISABEL ALLENDE
The House of the Spirits (1982)
Allende’s debut novel tells the story of the Trueba family over several generations, incorporating elements of magical realism and political upheaval in Chile.
Of Love and Shadows (1984)
This novel follows the love story of a journalist and a photographer during a time of political repression in an unnamed Latin American country.
Eva Luna (1987)
The life story of the eponymous protagonist, a talented storyteller who weaves tales of love, loss, and revolution.
The Stories of Eva Luna (1989)
A collection of short stories featuring the characters and settings from the novel Eva Luna.
The Infinite Plan (1991)
The life journey of Gregory Reeves, an American man with a tumultuous past, as he searches for meaning and purpose.
Paula (1994)
A deeply personal memoir that Allende wrote as a letter to her daughter Paula, who passed away in 1992.
Daughter of Fortune (1999)
A historical novel set during the California Gold Rush, featuring a young Chilean woman named Eliza who embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Portrait in Sepia (2001)
A family saga that follows three generations of the Del Valle family in Chile and San Francisco.
Inés of My Soul (2006)
A historical novel based on the life of Inés Suárez, a Spanish conquistadora who played a crucial role in the conquest of Chile.
The Japanese Lover (2015)
A love story that spans decades, following the lives of a young Japanese gardener and a wealthy young girl who meet in San Francisco during World War II.
INTERESTING FACTS FROM ISABEL ALLENDE’S LIFE
- Allende is the niece of Salvador Allende, the former President of Chile who was overthrown in a military coup in 1973.
- She began her career as a translator, translating romance novels from English to Spanish. However, she was fired for making unauthorized changes to the original texts.
- Allende has a unique writing ritual: she starts every new book on January 8th, the same date she began writing The House of the Spirits.
- In 1996, Allende founded the Isabel Allende Foundation, which supports women’s rights and empowerment worldwide.
- Allende became a U.S. citizen in 1993 and currently resides in California with her husband, Roger Cukras.
LEGACY AND AWARDS
Isabel Allende’s literary legacy is vast and enduring. Her works have influenced generations of readers and writers, and she has paved the way for other Latin American authors. Throughout her career, Allende has received numerous awards and honors, including:
- Chile’s National Literature Prize in 2010
- The Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2014
- The PEN Center USA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016
Allende continues to write and engage with readers worldwide, solidifying her status as one of the most important and beloved authors of our time.