Isabel Allende
1984
Around 305 pages
Isabel Allende always shatters my heart into a million pieces, and looks good doing it, dammit. I can't complain about the quality of this novel, but it was definitely a tough read for me.
Irene is an engaged magazine editor living under Pinochet dictatorship in Chile. Francisco is a handsome photographer and comes to Irene looking for a job. Irene and Francisco first meet working together on a magazine article about Evangelina Ranquileo, a strange farmgirl who seems to possess supernatural powers. Their investigation eventually forces Irene, a child of privilege, to acknowledge the atrocities committed by the state.
I guess human beings need to see war crimes up close to care about them. Otherwise we would simply collapse under the weight of all the violence and misery committed daily. Irene was an excellent choice as a vessel for the reader as she unearthed horrifying discoveries. Allende is one brave lady.
In addition to its historical importance, Allende composes a beautiful love story, and we all get to picture Antonio Banderas in the lead role. Yay.
RATING: *****
Interesting Facts:
Adapted into a film starring Jennifer Connelly and Banderas.
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