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A review by bookstorian
Violeta by Isabel Allende
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: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Suicide