Violeta by Isabel Allende
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Book Overview:
Violeta by Isabel Allende is the epic story of Violeta Del Valle spanning over one hundred years and bearing witness to cataclysmic historical events. Her story begins with her birth in the 1920’s during the Spanish Influenza pandemic and we journey with her during her formative years as a young child.
Until the arrival of the Great Depression which left her family impoverished causing them to relocate and start over in a remote part of the country. It is here that Violeta will transition to early adulthood where her decisions and choices will forever alter the trajectory of her life.
Violeta shares her story in the form of a letter to a cherished loved one recounting her experiences of passionate love affairs, overwhelming heartbreak, insurmountable grief, tragic loss, poverty and wealth, and discovering true joy and happiness. Throughout her life, she will witness powerful historical moments such as the fight for women’s rights, great political upheaval, and two pandemics.
Her breathtaking resilience, perseverance, and determination to survive against all odds will provide the foundation necessary to endure a lifetime of pandemonium.
My Review:
This book was not on my radar for this year but I’m so glad for the split-second decision to make it one of the books I read for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Because this book is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Elegantly written with an open and inviting style that pulls you in from the first sentence you’re immediately drawn into this captivating tale. Violeta is written in the form of a letter and reads like a memoir. She provides intimate, rich details of her experiences allowing you to feel what she’s feeling.
Additionally, Violeta doesn’t feel like a character in a book; she feels real and practically leaps off the page. She’s complex and fallible but also raw and genuine giving her a very human-like feel. You see her growth and evolution over time as she transitions from one life stage to the next adding depth and layers to her character. Allende’s ability to weave fictional events with historical events enriched this tale making it more believable and authentic. She was so masterful with this technique that many times I couldn’t believe I was reading about a fictional character.
Then there are the underlying themes that are woven into this story. The exploration of the far-reaching consequences of childhood trauma, the burdens of being a woman during a time when you had no authority over your own life, how women’s rights, sexism, and domestic violence are interconnected, the ramifications of addiction, the value of community and building a legacy for the next generation.
And we can’t overlook the strong political overtones of this story. Allende showcases the startling aftermath of the country’s fall from democracy and the eventual rise of dictatorship. How crippling and oppressive life was under this government due to strict restrictions, censorship, and the persecution of citizens considered political dissidents.
The countless lives that were lost or people that were forced to flee their home country because they were blacklisted and sought by the government where they would face torture and barbaric treatment. Allende brings awareness to South America’s dark political history, the slow rebirth of democracy, and the long journey toward healing.
This story had a massive impact on me. I was touched by this endearing novel and inspired to reflect on my life journey and how I can better grow and evolve as I enter the next decade of my life. I can confidently say this book will be of my top favorite reads of 2024 and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to read another book by Allende.