kathrynclaire's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Pedophilia, Rape, Homophobia, Dementia, Abortion, Classism, Murder, and Colonisation
now_booking's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love this author’s work for her compelling description of the mundane, her ability to weave in real historical events into the lived experience of her characters, and her compassionate development of complex characters who are never heroes nor villains but just eminently human. Violeta sustains that energy being a multigenerational family saga told by the 100-year old Violeta as she looks back at her life, and produces a memoir for her grandson, Camilo.
Like many of Allende’s protagonists, Violeta is born into some privilege. This book spans Violeta’s life from her birth during the emergence of the 1920 flu pandemic, the stock market crash and the Great Depression, through the rise of Naziism, fascism, peasant uprisings, revolution and the legacy of colonialism, Western political influence and dictatorship in Latin America, to the end of her life in 2020’s coronavirus pandemic. While this work of historical fiction is not specifically about these historical events, the dramatic events of her life and her dysfunctional family are greatly influenced by these events and through her story, we get a fresh perspective of what it may have been to love through those times.
This is ultimately a book of an entire life, so there is a lot of sadness and trauma in this that linger especially when one looks back at a lifetime and has experienced the pain of regret and loss. This isn’t a maudlin read, Violeta has a good sense of self irony and is witty and humorous, and is viciously honest even with herself about her own failings, yet the overarching mood of this is sort of sad and reflective. This book addresses themes of neglect and abuse, infidelity, sexual assault, addiction, violence and genocide. If you’ve had experience living under an authoritarian regime and experienced loss through it, this might be somewhat triggering. If you haven’t, this has a lot of loss in it, so gird your loins.
That said, this book is absolutely gorgeous. The writing is fantastic… it reads authentically like an old lady wrote it as her memoir and there are so many points reading this that I stopped to reflect. There were so many points of reflection about relationships, faith, regret, wealth. The story of love and family and found family that is built through this book is so real yet so flawed and because of that compellingly human. The character development is as expected from and Allende novel, great, and even the description of the most mundane aspects of her life was compelling. This would have been a perfect 5 stars for me if not that I think it was at times a bit repetitive in parts and I think in places the story could have moved faster. I think fans of the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will adore this, but I found this to be more encompassing, more meaningful and just… more! I highly highly recommend this!
Like many of Allende’s protagonists, Violeta is born into some privilege. This book spans Violeta’s life from her birth during the emergence of the 1920 flu pandemic, the stock market crash and the Great Depression, through the rise of Naziism, fascism, peasant uprisings, revolution and the legacy of colonialism, Western political influence and dictatorship in Latin America, to the end of her life in 2020’s coronavirus pandemic. While this work of historical fiction is not specifically about these historical events, the dramatic events of her life and her dysfunctional family are greatly influenced by these events and through her story, we get a fresh perspective of what it may have been to love through those times.
This is ultimately a book of an entire life, so there is a lot of sadness and trauma in this that linger especially when one looks back at a lifetime and has experienced the pain of regret and loss. This isn’t a maudlin read, Violeta has a good sense of self irony and is witty and humorous, and is viciously honest even with herself about her own failings, yet the overarching mood of this is sort of sad and reflective. This book addresses themes of neglect and abuse, infidelity, sexual assault, addiction, violence and genocide. If you’ve had experience living under an authoritarian regime and experienced loss through it, this might be somewhat triggering. If you haven’t, this has a lot of loss in it, so gird your loins.
That said, this book is absolutely gorgeous. The writing is fantastic… it reads authentically like an old lady wrote it as her memoir and there are so many points reading this that I stopped to reflect. There were so many points of reflection about relationships, faith, regret, wealth. The story of love and family and found family that is built through this book is so real yet so flawed and because of that compellingly human. The character development is as expected from and Allende novel, great, and even the description of the most mundane aspects of her life was compelling. This would have been a perfect 5 stars for me if not that I think it was at times a bit repetitive in parts and I think in places the story could have moved faster. I think fans of the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will adore this, but I found this to be more encompassing, more meaningful and just… more! I highly highly recommend this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Genocide, Grief, Abandonment, Cancer, Dementia, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Violence, Sexism, Classism, Death, Addiction, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Suicide, Bullying, Drug use, Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Drug abuse, Body shaming, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Mental illness
Moderate: Child abuse, Xenophobia, Infertility, Torture, War, Ableism, Confinement, Misogyny, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Eating disorder, Incest, Adult/minor relationship, Homophobia, Abortion, Chronic illness, and Colonisation
leticia_nl's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Well, I have read my first book by Isabel Allende. This is still the worst book I’ve read in 2022. The writing made it hard to connect to any of the characters especially Violeta. I should had stopped reading this book 60 pages in and still the main character and not liking the story.
One star for the cover art and half a star for Torito.
One star for the cover art and half a star for Torito.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Death, Suicide, Domestic abuse, and Homophobia
em_likes_books's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Child abuse, Suicide, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: War, Death, and Violence
jcstokes95's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Violeta de Valle's life is capstoned by two pandemics and pack in between with her witnessing 100 years of various turmoils. She describes the Pinochet dictatorship, Argentina's Dirty War, torrid love affairs in her own life, the fight for woman's suffrage, marital abuse, her daughters' fight with drugs, and the trials and tribulations of her lesbian governess. It's a whole lot of shit. About halfway through the book, I was trying to figure out why something so packed with plot and character wasn't connecting. I was actually appreciating the storytelling tone; it did feel like Allende's character was sitting right there with me, writing a letter to us all. I went through the reviews and found a review that really stuck with me. The reviewer called this a "passionate story, told dispassionately". And I feel that is the core of this book.
Violeta often feels like the least interesting character because, by her own admission, her personality feel like on of a watcher. It isn't until late in her long life that she ever takes action. And that is rarely described in details. Things happen to her. Things happen around her. But rarely does she have agency. It's possible that this may be the point, she's a rich, naïve housewife with VERY little power for much of the narrative. But from a storytelling perspective, it makes the reader wish we were following the more daring stories of her compatriots.
I must give this book credit though, it does provide a wonderful overview and examination of modern South America. And points a finger at the colonialism and corruption of America, Germany, Spain and other countries (plus the Catholic Church) that helped tear democracy apart in many places throughout the continent. It varies in the heaviness of this conviction, but the more powerful nations are clearly to blame from Violeta's point of view.
Even though she places this blame, Violeta herself is often part of the systems that destroy her country. Which makes her a hard character to fully sympathize with. You feel bad for her at times. But then, you remember she married a Nazi sympathizer and a man who traffics, first drugs, then women and political prisoners to horrifying fates. We're supposed to allow her naivete excuse this, I think. But mainly it makes me want to shake her. It is realistic though, that she doesn't seem to take much responsibility. I am not sure we are supposed to think she's cold, but I found her that way.
I feel that I did not take this book, and this character, as Allende intended me to. But, the writing is second to none and she is weaving a huge epic which is certainly worth something here. My temperate reaction makes me wonder if sweeping stories across families and eras are for me or not though. But many will find this rewarding and it would be a great book to pick apart in a discussion group.
Violeta often feels like the least interesting character because, by her own admission, her personality feel like on of a watcher. It isn't until late in her long life that she ever takes action. And that is rarely described in details. Things happen to her. Things happen around her. But rarely does she have agency. It's possible that this may be the point, she's a rich, naïve housewife with VERY little power for much of the narrative. But from a storytelling perspective, it makes the reader wish we were following the more daring stories of her compatriots.
I must give this book credit though, it does provide a wonderful overview and examination of modern South America. And points a finger at the colonialism and corruption of America, Germany, Spain and other countries (plus the Catholic Church) that helped tear democracy apart in many places throughout the continent. It varies in the heaviness of this conviction, but the more powerful nations are clearly to blame from Violeta's point of view.
Even though she places this blame, Violeta herself is often part of the systems that destroy her country. Which makes her a hard character to fully sympathize with. You feel bad for her at times. But then, you remember she married a Nazi sympathizer and a man who traffics, first drugs, then women and political prisoners to horrifying fates. We're supposed to allow her naivete excuse this, I think. But mainly it makes me want to shake her. It is realistic though, that she doesn't seem to take much responsibility. I am not sure we are supposed to think she's cold, but I found her that way.
I feel that I did not take this book, and this character, as Allende intended me to. But, the writing is second to none and she is weaving a huge epic which is certainly worth something here. My temperate reaction makes me wonder if sweeping stories across families and eras are for me or not though. But many will find this rewarding and it would be a great book to pick apart in a discussion group.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, and Drug abuse
bookstorian's review against another edition
4.0
There was something that drew me to this book when it was released - I think it was the idea of a women who's life spanned across a huge century of world events within South America. It was honestly a beautifully told story and captured the essence of why I enjoy historical fiction so much.
As she nears the end of her life Violeta reflects on the personal, national and world events that caused her devastating heartbreaks, passionate affairs, times of poverty and wealth, terrible loss and immense joy for nearly a century.
First and foremost this novel absolutely swept me away, it really was the stuff of a great novel, as I was transported to the life of Violeta. Along the way I learnt a lot about the history of South America and the political unrest which was interwoven with key historical events, a big tick from a history nerd. I think there is so much to take away from the story including her resilience and vitality for life, even though her life was often tinged with great sadness. The story also made me think of my Pop and the amount of change he would have experienced in his life over the last 100 years and what key moments from his life would be featured if he was ever to articulate it in this way.
I did find that some of the plot did drag at times and the last few decades were especially rushed and a bit scattered. I also got easily confused by place and time, so more frequent dates and potentially a map would have been great!! I think 'South America' (from the blurb) was too broad.
If you like historical fiction, in particular stories about women, I highly recommend this read. I'm definitely keen to read more Isabelle Allende novels now!
Similar to 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee, 'The Eighth Life' by Nino Haratischvili or 'The Silence of Scheherazade' by Defne Suman.
As she nears the end of her life Violeta reflects on the personal, national and world events that caused her devastating heartbreaks, passionate affairs, times of poverty and wealth, terrible loss and immense joy for nearly a century.
First and foremost this novel absolutely swept me away, it really was the stuff of a great novel, as I was transported to the life of Violeta. Along the way I learnt a lot about the history of South America and the political unrest which was interwoven with key historical events, a big tick from a history nerd. I think there is so much to take away from the story including her resilience and vitality for life, even though her life was often tinged with great sadness. The story also made me think of my Pop and the amount of change he would have experienced in his life over the last 100 years and what key moments from his life would be featured if he was ever to articulate it in this way.
I did find that some of the plot did drag at times and the last few decades were especially rushed and a bit scattered. I also got easily confused by place and time, so more frequent dates and potentially a map would have been great!! I think 'South America' (from the blurb) was too broad.
If you like historical fiction, in particular stories about women, I highly recommend this read. I'm definitely keen to read more Isabelle Allende novels now!
Similar to 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee, 'The Eighth Life' by Nino Haratischvili or 'The Silence of Scheherazade' by Defne Suman.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault
solenekeleroux's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Addiction, Suicide, Police brutality, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Murder, and Sexual violence
ak_munoz's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book dragged on. It started out sort of interesting, but the author's aloof tone made it so that it was impossible to emotionally connect with any of the characters. She mentions huge life or historical events like she is talking about what she ate for breakfast. Everything becomes a side note. Also, we get that the story is being written to Camilo. There is no need to mention his name every 5 pages. By the end of this book i was just waiting for the narrator to die so that i could mark the book as "read"
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Rape
sofipitch's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book holds a lot of similarities to The House of the Spirits, and a lot of Allende's other books tbh. She doesn't name the country the MC is in but it is very clearly Chile, so we get the history of Childe in the 20th century from a european descendended once wealthy family. The book even suggests that Violeta is related to the family from Allende's first book. But the characters aren't well developed, the story isn't as interesting, it's overall a mediocre book from an author who I know has written better and more interesting works. Additionally while I could tolerate the occasional socially unconcious phrase or word or sentiment in her older works, in a book published in 2022 I feel like Allende should know better, or that at least her editor or publisher would have said something, since Allende is considered to be liberal and willing to learn/update her beliefs (Although maybe not, I read the synopsis of Ines of my soul and went 😬 and put it back)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Addiction, Domestic abuse, and Police brutality
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, War, Violence, and Sexual violence