Overview
Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century and inspired by the tumultuous Chilean civil war of 1891, Isabel Allende’s historical drama follows the journey of Emilia del Valle, a young woman born out of wedlock in San Francisco’s Mission District. Her surname, del Valle, is inherited from her Chilean father, an aristocrat who abandoned her mother, a novice nun, before Emilia was born. The independent spirit of Emilia is largely attributed to her stepfather, Francisco Claro—affectionately known as Papo—who encourages her to think freely and challenge societal norms.
Emilia’s Story
By her late teens, Emilia has made a name for herself as a prolific writer of pulp fiction, adopting the male pen name Brandon J Price. At just 23 years old, she becomes a columnist for the San Francisco Daily Examiner. Despite her success, she yearns to pursue more serious journalism. This opportunity arises when she is commissioned to travel to Chile, the homeland of her estranged father, to cover the war. Emilia is accompanied by Eric Whelan, a seasoned war reporter, and begins a romantic relationship with him. However, their paths diverge as they embark on their respective quests for stories.
Narrative Style
The novel is narrated from Emilia’s perspective by the Dominican actor Coral Peña, whose powerful reading emphasizes Emilia’s determination to break free from the constraints of 19th-century womanhood. Uniquely, the romantic subplot diverges from traditional narratives with the introduction of another narrator, Johnathan McClain, who presents a chapter from Whelan’s viewpoint. Upon returning to San Francisco after the war, Whelan reflects on Emilia’s mysterious disappearance, underscoring the profound impact she had on his life.
Key Takeaways
- Author: Isabel Allende
- Available via: Bloomsbury
- Duration: 10 hours and 30 minutes
Further Listening
The Parallel Path
Jenn Ashworth, Sceptre, 10hr 16min
This memoir subtitles “Love, Grit and Walking the North,” chronicling the author’s 192-mile adventure along Alfred Wainwright’s famed coast-to-coast route from St. Bees in Cumbria. During her journey, she receives a life-altering health diagnosis.
Come What May
Lucy Easthope, Hodder, 7hr 41min
Easthope, an emergency planning expert skilled in navigating crises such as fires and floods, offers an uplifting guide for overcoming life’s challenges and supporting friends and family in need.
Final Thoughts
Isabel Allende’s historical drama captivates with its rich exploration of identity, resilience, and the struggles faced by women in a restrictive society. Emilia del Valle emerges not only as a product of her time but also as a pioneer who defies expectations. This thought-provoking narrative promises to engage readers and listeners alike, inspiring them to ponder their own paths to self-discovery.
