There is something deeply human, haunting, and mysterious about the writing of Chilean Isabel Allende – and that something that has inspired readers around the world for more than four decades. At almost 83 years old, Allende has published no less than 29 books, moves at the highest level of literature, and is rightly considered one of Latin America’s greatest authors. Her work, including the celebrated 1982 novel La Casa de los Espíritus, has sold more than 80 million copies and has been translated into 42 languages. Now, the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author, winner of more than 60 international awards, including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, is back with the historical novel My Name is Emilia del Valle (Mi nombre es Emilia del Valle).

In it, the writer transports the reader to Chile’s bloody 1891 civil war via a young journalist whose adventurous spirit places her in the midst of the armed conflict. Translated by Frances Riddle, My Name is Emilia del Valle is a poignant, emotional story with autobiographical touches that will undoubtedly captivate both Allende’s loyal followers and readers discovering for the first time.

A New Heroine in Allende’s Literary Landscape

The story, which begins in 1866 in the city of San Francisco, revolves around Emilia del Valle, a young writer and journalist who becomes involved in the Chilean civil war as part of her pursuit of the truth about her ancestral homeland, her father, and her own identity.

Despite being abandoned by her dad, Emilia has all the love and protection she needs in the arms of her Irish-descended mother and adoring, intellectual stepfather. During her youth, Emilia artfully navigates the gender restrictions of the time and becomes, not without difficulty, a diligent journalist at the Daily Examiner. Her life takes a radical turn when she decides to cover the brewing civil war in Chile, also known as the Revolution of 1891. As fate would have it, her journalistic assignment leads her to Gonzalo Andrés del Valle, her absent father, and with it, a better understanding of her roots. Along the way, when our heroine is pushed to the limit, she proves that she is capable of great acts of bravery.

With Emilia, Allende has done it again! The author of such works of historical fiction as A Long Petal of the Sea and The Japanese Lover surprises us once again with her ability to weave together reality, memory, and imagination. Her writing, as usual, is amply documented and a lush sensory feast. As you would imagine, Allende gives us nuanced descriptions that bring life and depth to the physical landscape, the political intrigue, the horror of war, and the inner world of her characters.

Women at the End of the 19th Century

Readers familiar with the Chilean author’s extensive work will recognize that her latest novel is part of the “Del Valle” saga (The House of the Spirits, Daughter of Fortune, and Portrait in Sepia), which features strong, multidimensional female figures dealing with Chile’s tumultuous history.

In this tradition, My Name is Emilia Del Valle is also a story about authentic women who come to life through their virtues, flaws, and motivations. Or, as Allende recently told The New York Times, “I write about women who are always defying convention and take a lot of flak for it, but stand up and are able to stand on their own two feet. Those are the characters I love and write about because I know them so well.”

In her twenty-ninth book, the author weaves a rich tapestry of themes such as self-discovery, identity, family legacy, love, memory, and the impact of war. However, this historical fiction stands out for its profound reflection on the role of women in the late 19th Century – in journalism, literature, and society in general.

So, Should I Read It?

My Name is Emilia Del Valle represents one of the most compelling, substantial, and moving works in Isabel Allende’s ever-growing catalog. Through its formidable protagonist, haunting wartime setting, and rich exploration of themes, it makes for a gripping read that lingers long after the last page. So the answer is yes, like any of the Chilean author’s books, this one is also a must-read.