Violeta

Violeta

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  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-01-06 01:41:30
  • Update Date:2025-09-24
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Isabel Allende
  • ISBN:8401027470
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

La épica y emocionante historia de una mujer cuya vida abarca los momentos históricos más relevantes del siglo XX。

Desde 1920 -con la llamada «gripe española»- hasta la pandemia de 2020, la vida de Violeta será mucho más que la historia de un siglo。

Violeta viene al mundo un tormentoso día de 1920, siendo la primera niña de una familia de cinco bulliciosos hermanos。 Desde el principio su vida estará marcada por acontecimientos extraordinarios, pues todavía se sienten las ondas expansivas de la Gran Guerra cuando la gripe española llega a las orillas de su país sudamericano natal, casi en el momento exacto de su nacimiento。

Gracias a la clarividencia del padre, la familia saldrá indemne de esta crisis para darse de bruces con una nueva, cuando la Gran Depresión altera la elegante vida urbana que Violeta ha conocido hasta ahora。 Su familia lo perderá todo y se verá obligada a retirarse a una región salvaje y remota del país。 Allí Violeta alcanzará la mayoría de edad y tendrá su primer pretendiente。。。

En una carta dirigida a una persona a la que ama por encima de todas las demás, Violeta rememora devastadores desengaños amorosos y romances apasionados, momentos de pobreza y también de prosperidad, pérdidas terribles e inmensas alegrías。 Moldearán su vida algunos de los grandes sucesos de la historia: la lucha por los derechos de la mujer, el auge y caída de tiranos y, en última instancia, no una, sino dos pandemias。

Vista con los ojos de una mujer poseedora de una pasión, una determinación y un sentido del humor inolvidables que la sostienen a lo largo de una vida turbulenta, Isabel Allende nos regala, una vez más, una historia épica furiosamente inspiradora y profundamente emotiva。

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Reviews

Susie Dumond

Violeta has witnessed a hundred years of history during the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries, including two global pandemics。 Now at the end of her life, she writes a letter to her grandson about what she’s learned — including the passion, surprises, loss, and joy along the way。This narrative of a long, passionate life well-lived is precisely the book I needed to start a new year! Isabel Allende has such a gift for sweeping narratives that show us the beauty in the big and small moments of lif Violeta has witnessed a hundred years of history during the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries, including two global pandemics。 Now at the end of her life, she writes a letter to her grandson about what she’s learned — including the passion, surprises, loss, and joy along the way。This narrative of a long, passionate life well-lived is precisely the book I needed to start a new year! Isabel Allende has such a gift for sweeping narratives that show us the beauty in the big and small moments of life。 I loved every moment of Violeta's story。Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Shirley McAllister

An Independent WomanThis story starts in 1920 with the birth of Violeta during the Spanish Flu pandemic and ends in 2020 with the Covid 19 Pandemic。 It covers all the years in between。 It is the story of one woman, her family, her friends, her lovers and business partners。 Through all the stages of her life daughter, wife, mother, lover and business partner Violeta strived to be an independent woman and leading a life of her own choosing。 She was one that could not be caged, could not be held ba An Independent WomanThis story starts in 1920 with the birth of Violeta during the Spanish Flu pandemic and ends in 2020 with the Covid 19 Pandemic。 It covers all the years in between。 It is the story of one woman, her family, her friends, her lovers and business partners。 Through all the stages of her life daughter, wife, mother, lover and business partner Violeta strived to be an independent woman and leading a life of her own choosing。 She was one that could not be caged, could not be held back。 She campaigned for women's rights to birth control, abortion, divorce and against domestic abuse。 Even though at times she was herself a victim of abuse。 She found wealth in the city and peace in the country where she felt most at home。Through hurricanes, floods, dictators and social unrest she lived and raised her two children and her grandchild。 She gambled with the mafia and traveled the roads and back roads with her lovers。 She lived and loved in her own way, built an empire with her brother in the pre-fab housing market and left most of her money to her son who became a priest。I liked the story as it described the different parts of the country she lived in the Canary Islands, the politics, the people that lived there and their different customs and ways of living。 The rich, the poor, and the crooked。 The good, the bad and the indifferent。 It was a good story and I enjoyed reading it。 I would recommend it。Thanks to Isabel Allende for writing the story, Random House for publishing it and NetGalley for making it available to me。 。。。more

Alison Hartley

The description of this book says ‘she tells her story in the form of a letter’ which is what drew me in, I really enjoy books that are told in that form but this one didn’t live up to my expectations。 It was told more as one long story with the occasional reference to Camilo who she has wrote this for。 It spans 100 years and covers every aspect of Violeta’s life, all the ups and downs, the relationships built and lost, the people she has met along the way and what she has learnt from all of thi The description of this book says ‘she tells her story in the form of a letter’ which is what drew me in, I really enjoy books that are told in that form but this one didn’t live up to my expectations。 It was told more as one long story with the occasional reference to Camilo who she has wrote this for。 It spans 100 years and covers every aspect of Violeta’s life, all the ups and downs, the relationships built and lost, the people she has met along the way and what she has learnt from all of this。This book has such fantastic reviews that I really wanted to like it but I didn’t, I felt distanced from the characters and story, it was more like I was being talked to from a history book rather than being invited to share someone’s life journey。 There was also a lot of political talking, sometimes too much, for me it detracted from getting to know the characters。 It wasn’t all negative though, there were some poignant parts in it along with some laughs, I loved the nanny Miss Taylor, she brought a bit of light relief。 My thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title。 。。。more

Meagan Waller

Wow。 This was one of my favorite reads of 2021, and of course, it was the last book I read in 2021。 Go figure。I found this nearly impossible to put down。 Any spare moment I had I was opening up this eBook, including while waiting in line at Universal Studios。 I stayed up until 4 am finishing it, and as someone who deeply treasures their sleep, that’s a huge endorsement。This is a sweeping story about one woman’s life, the upheaval, joys, loss, grief, and love that she has experienced。 Violeta was Wow。 This was one of my favorite reads of 2021, and of course, it was the last book I read in 2021。 Go figure。I found this nearly impossible to put down。 Any spare moment I had I was opening up this eBook, including while waiting in line at Universal Studios。 I stayed up until 4 am finishing it, and as someone who deeply treasures their sleep, that’s a huge endorsement。This is a sweeping story about one woman’s life, the upheaval, joys, loss, grief, and love that she has experienced。 Violeta was born in 1920 in South America。 Throughout her long life, she experienced the world around her change in terrible, amazing, and scary ways。 She tells the story of her life in a letter to someone named Camillo。 The reader isn’t aware of who Camillo is until about two-thirds of the way through the story。"The first years of my life had been a tug of war; I was constantly trying to impose my will and, since I always got my way, I didn’t feel safe or protected。" - VioletaThis is the type of story I absolutely love。 Incredibly character-driven, and almost mundane, but that mundaneness makes it so human。Violeta has been through so much in her life, with a life bookended by pandemics。 She was forced to grow up so quickly, I was rooting for Violeta throughout this entire book。 I was heartbroken for what she had to endure as a child and deeply touched by how much love she had to give to those around her。 Even though Violeta had to endure a tremendous amount, and went through events I wouldn’t wish on almost anyone, she still had a life full of love, family, and happiness。"The journey of life has long and tedious stretches, step by step, day by day, without anything exciting happening, but memory is made up of the unexpected events that mark your course。" - VioletaThis book is going to stick with me for a long time to come。 It truly made me an Allende fan, and I’ve purchased several of her books and have them on my immediate TBR list。 There’s something so special about an author who can write a character that feels so real and human。 That has flaws, imperfections, goals, aspirations, and dreams that completely make sense, are consistent, and make the reader truly fall in love with the character。Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for gifting me this Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Rebecca

Epic is a perfect description for this historical/literary fiction by Isabel Allende。 I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to read this pre-publication thanks to NetGalley。 I have read other works by Isabel Allende, and as was the case with VIOLETA, I always feel as if I have read something very worthwhile at the end of an Allende novel。The opening scene is in Chile when the so-called "Spanish flu" pandemic reaches the homeland of the wealthy Del Valle family in 1920。 One comment in the narra Epic is a perfect description for this historical/literary fiction by Isabel Allende。 I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to read this pre-publication thanks to NetGalley。 I have read other works by Isabel Allende, and as was the case with VIOLETA, I always feel as if I have read something very worthwhile at the end of an Allende novel。The opening scene is in Chile when the so-called "Spanish flu" pandemic reaches the homeland of the wealthy Del Valle family in 1920。 One comment in the narration is interesting: that this pandemic was labeled "Spanish" because Spain had published numbers of cases/deaths while other countries were occupied publishing World War I news。First-person narrator Violeta was just an infant at that time, but she tells her story as a flashback and in the form of letters, addressed to Camilo, her grandson。 I found myself forgetting that this novel was told in letters until Violeta occasionally mentioned Camilo by name。 The letter format neither added to nor detracted from the overall reading experience for me。The privileged Del Valle family who brought a nanny from England to care for spoiled little Violeta is now facing financial ruin as the Great Depression follows the 20th century pandemic。 Eventually, their mansion is crumbling, but the land it sits on is still very valuable。 When they first flee to a less developed area to escape the pandemic, they bring what they think is valuable -Tiffany lamps。 Only to discover that the area they've gone to does not have electricity。The despair and desperation of the Del Valle family are no different than 21st century: pyramid schemes, financial ruin, death, divorces, scandals。 Violeta lives to 100 years old and dies during the start of the Corona Virus pandemic。 I think one of the strengths of this book is to help younger generations appreciate how much life remains the same。 There may be new inventions and gadgets, but human relationships, sorrow and joy, are a common thread for us all。 It was a strong four-star reading experience for me。 Thank you Random House and Net Galley。。 。。。more

Andrea | Facciponte Design Bookshelf

Thank you to Netgalley, Ballantine Books, and the author for providing this ARC。Overall Rating: ⭐️/5Edition: ebookOriginality: ⭐️/5Character Development: ⭐️⭐️/5Favorite Character: Torito, because how can you not love the guy who throws himself out there to save others。 Recommend: 👎As a woman who has lived 100 years, Violeta experienced uncountable loss。 To aid in preparation for her final days, she writes a letter detailing her past to her missionary grandson。 The Spanish flu, the Great War, the Thank you to Netgalley, Ballantine Books, and the author for providing this ARC。Overall Rating: ⭐️/5Edition: ebookOriginality: ⭐️/5Character Development: ⭐️⭐️/5Favorite Character: Torito, because how can you not love the guy who throws himself out there to save others。 Recommend: 👎As a woman who has lived 100 years, Violeta experienced uncountable loss。 To aid in preparation for her final days, she writes a letter detailing her past to her missionary grandson。 The Spanish flu, the Great War, the Great Depression, Women’s Rights, the Covid 19 Pandemic。 Violeta lived through these hardships and more。 This book took FOREVER to read。 Is it just me, or does it seem like many authors these days - especially historical fiction writers - are using the whole “old lady sharing the story of her life with (insert 2nd important character here)” theme a bit much? It didn’t help that I could not stand the main character, who the book so happens to be titled。 The summary for this work of literary fiction suggests Violeta is passionate, determined, and full of humor。 Honestly - I viewed her as the complete opposite。 I felt she really had no personality until she began describing her life experience towards the end of the book。 Other than that, I really only saw her as someone who just went with the flow of things。 She didn’t really take responsibility for her life。 Though, oddly, she was immoral for the times and family she came from when it came to intimacy and marriage。 In her long letter to her grandson, Camilo, Violeta mentions her friend wants her to go to confession before death。 But she couldn’t bring it upon herself to confess to Camilo。 This was a complete contradiction, considering the entire letter is a confession。 I mean, she even details his mother’s drug addiction and her own personal sexual experiences。 Last time I checked, that's confessing some deep rooted information some kids don’t need (or want) to know about their mothers and grandmothers。 This was my first Isabel Allende novel。 YES。 I know this is not her first rodeo and her books have made the top of the charts。 If you love her writing, great。 I hope you love this。 I would actually love to know what someone who has read all of her previous titles thinks of this work in comparison。 。。。more

Gem ~ Bee

A poetically written fictional memoirs of a girl growing up in South America, spanning one hundred years from the Spanish Flu pandemic after WW1 to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020。 I was gripped by this story, the political backdrops and experiences of the characters, the passions and tragedies。 It is such a wonderful, heartbreaking and beautiful book, capturing someone's life in all its tiny moments。 A poetically written fictional memoirs of a girl growing up in South America, spanning one hundred years from the Spanish Flu pandemic after WW1 to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020。 I was gripped by this story, the political backdrops and experiences of the characters, the passions and tragedies。 It is such a wonderful, heartbreaking and beautiful book, capturing someone's life in all its tiny moments。 。。。more

Vanessa

This book starts out really strong and I was really engaged, but something happened somewhere after the halfway point and I got a little bored。 This tells the story of Violeta, born during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1920 in an unnamed South American country, and dying in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic。 I really enjoyed the story when she was a young woman, following her own path。 The book also details what it's like to live in a country in South America with an unstable government。 That i This book starts out really strong and I was really engaged, but something happened somewhere after the halfway point and I got a little bored。 This tells the story of Violeta, born during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1920 in an unnamed South American country, and dying in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic。 I really enjoyed the story when she was a young woman, following her own path。 The book also details what it's like to live in a country in South America with an unstable government。 That is rather interesting also。 Some of this is really rushed and other parts seemed drawn out。 If you like an epic tale of historical fiction, I definitely recommend this。I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Kelso Ansara

Absolute cracker of a novel to start the year off。 Allende is everything。

Helen

One of my favourite books is “The House of the Spirits” which I read many years ago always intending to read another book by Isabel Allende but for some reason or other, her books passed me by with the exception of the heartbreaking story “Paula”。 I therefore leapt at the chance of reading “Violeta”。 Thank you Netgalley。 This has been a delight to read over the Christmas period when it has been possible to sit by a fire and read this beautifully written historical epic。 The descriptions take you One of my favourite books is “The House of the Spirits” which I read many years ago always intending to read another book by Isabel Allende but for some reason or other, her books passed me by with the exception of the heartbreaking story “Paula”。 I therefore leapt at the chance of reading “Violeta”。 Thank you Netgalley。 This has been a delight to read over the Christmas period when it has been possible to sit by a fire and read this beautifully written historical epic。 The descriptions take your imagination to all the places where Violeta has lived。 She is born in a pandemic and dies in the current pandemic that we are all living through。 During her long life, she has lived through wars and political unrest。 The characters are well depicted and the reader gets to know each one of them and feels Violeta’s passion。 Violeta is talking via letters to her grandson。 How I wish someone had written these letters to me! 。。。more

Joan

4。0。 This is a hard book to review。 I have really enjoyed Allende’s other novels, but this is not, in my opinion, on the level as her others。 I liked it at times, and yet felt it was pedestrian and too long and difficult to slog through at other times。 It’s an interesting story of a South American woman born during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1920 and ending during the COVID pandemic。 An incredible life, Violeta was born into extreme wealth, but fell into hard times at a very young age with her 4。0。 This is a hard book to review。 I have really enjoyed Allende’s other novels, but this is not, in my opinion, on the level as her others。 I liked it at times, and yet felt it was pedestrian and too long and difficult to slog through at other times。 It’s an interesting story of a South American woman born during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1920 and ending during the COVID pandemic。 An incredible life, Violeta was born into extreme wealth, but fell into hard times at a very young age with her father’s unorthodox business methods。 This part of her life was critical to who she became and propelled her journey later in years as a successful businesswoman, but also as prescient and understanding of her frailties, mistakes, and vulnerabilities。 She went to live in what might have been the southern part of Chile which was fascinating to me, as that’s a beautiful place in the world, including it’s pristine majestic natural beauty and simplistic life in rural countryside living。 We follow Violeta through her life with many ups and downs, with family, friends, loves, politics —including times of repression—and women’s rights , including domestic violence that covers everyone, no matter their economic standing, especially in a culture that dismissed it。 This novel does include some of her magic realism which I enjoy, but the political realm took too much precedence in my opinion。 An interesting saga, but not to the level of her other novels。 I still will look forward to her future novels as she is a gifted writer。 I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased and candid review。 。。。more

Kristen Killian

Many thank yous to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for this honest review。 My final book of 2021!The premise of this book is fabulous - Violeta is telling her life story through letters to her grandson, and I was immediately attracted to the concept。 This work is full of the descriptive, literary fiction-style writing that many enjoy, but for me, it really slowed down the plot and I thought the beginning was really slow。 I loved the relationship with Theresa Many thank yous to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for this honest review。 My final book of 2021!The premise of this book is fabulous - Violeta is telling her life story through letters to her grandson, and I was immediately attracted to the concept。 This work is full of the descriptive, literary fiction-style writing that many enjoy, but for me, it really slowed down the plot and I thought the beginning was really slow。 I loved the relationship with Theresa and Miss Taylor, and thought that was an important point to tie in, and the story started picking up a bit when she was talking about her marriage and her children - until then, I might’ve actually put this one aside to come back to because it was so slow moving。 This is my first book by this author, so I’m not sure if this is her normal style。Overall, great concept and nice literary style of writing, but fell a bit short for me to really grab my attention。 It was just okay。 。。。more

Lady Fancifull

100 years of a life in an unnamed Chile, bookended by pandemics Violeta recounts her life, as the first person narrator of Isabel Allende’s latest novel, within the structure of a confessional and history, both personal and political, written for ‘Camilo’ whose identity becomes clear during the course of the novel。Born in 1920, to a rather privileged family, the first disasters loom early when the Spanish Flu hits South America, a year or so after it ravaged Europe。 Violeta is the only daughter 100 years of a life in an unnamed Chile, bookended by pandemics Violeta recounts her life, as the first person narrator of Isabel Allende’s latest novel, within the structure of a confessional and history, both personal and political, written for ‘Camilo’ whose identity becomes clear during the course of the novel。Born in 1920, to a rather privileged family, the first disasters loom early when the Spanish Flu hits South America, a year or so after it ravaged Europe。 Violeta is the only daughter in a family of boys, spoiled, wilful, tempestuous and a handful。 Raised in part by a governess from Britain, changing family circumstances as the Depression hits, sees her brought up within a still loving, less urban, and more radical group of peopleThe twists and turns of Violeta’s own life play out against the history of her country, swinging between democracy and dictatorship。This is very much a family saga, and much more anchored to realism than Allende’s early ‘magic realism’ writings。Violeta herself is a flawed, likeable person, who makes many mistakes, (as do most of us!) often in response to the madness of love。 She is fiery, open hearted, but also open minded, and develops hugely over her very long life。 This book teems with a multiplicity of well drawn, complex characters, from quite a wide canvas of backgrounds and cultures。I wasn’t completely satisfied with the structure of the ‘document’ which Violeta is writing for ‘Camilo’ – it is the account of her whole 100 year old life, and some of it is already known to the recipient, though the earlier parts may not have been。Nonetheless, Violeta’s world is one I surrendered to。3。5 rating, raised 。。。more

Meghan Hendershot

This was a gorgeous, lush story。 The language itself was enough to the hook the reader from the beginning and hold them all the way through。 This book brought new perspective to our current plight and gave me hope for the future。 I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece and can't wait for more from Ms Allende。 This was a gorgeous, lush story。 The language itself was enough to the hook the reader from the beginning and hold them all the way through。 This book brought new perspective to our current plight and gave me hope for the future。 I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece and can't wait for more from Ms Allende。 。。。more

Sara

Violeta's life story spans a century, from one pandemic to another。It will appeal to fans of family sagas, to those who enjoy literature with feminist themes, and to anyone looking to escape into a narrative that is detailed, rich and a little magical。The translation appeared seamless - I forgot I was reading a work that had been translated into English。I don't want to give too much detail as I don't want to spoil it, but it seemed as though every aspect of the story had been thought out very we Violeta's life story spans a century, from one pandemic to another。It will appeal to fans of family sagas, to those who enjoy literature with feminist themes, and to anyone looking to escape into a narrative that is detailed, rich and a little magical。The translation appeared seamless - I forgot I was reading a work that had been translated into English。I don't want to give too much detail as I don't want to spoil it, but it seemed as though every aspect of the story had been thought out very well。Many characters are featured, and I came to love the lovable ones very dearly, and to be glad if and when the less lovable ones received their just desserts。The imagery of the tropical settings and city scenes alike was excellent。Overall, I would really recommend this book。 Review copy supplied by NetGalley 。。。more

B。S。 Casey

Violeta arrived on this world on a dark and stormy day in 1920, a hundred years ago。 The first daughter amongst five sons, her birth is the first of many extraordinary moments in her life。 The Great War has left a mark on the world, the Spanish Flu is ravaging its way through her homeland and the Great Depression is looming in the not-so-distant future, waiting to threaten the life she has always known。 And this is just the start for Violeta as she grows into a beautiful young woman in an ever-c Violeta arrived on this world on a dark and stormy day in 1920, a hundred years ago。 The first daughter amongst five sons, her birth is the first of many extraordinary moments in her life。 The Great War has left a mark on the world, the Spanish Flu is ravaging its way through her homeland and the Great Depression is looming in the not-so-distant future, waiting to threaten the life she has always known。 And this is just the start for Violeta as she grows into a beautiful young woman in an ever-changing world。 Now, after an entire century of life, Violeta pauses to write a letter to her precious Grandson, one she has loved more than most, reliving a journey of love and loss, and of major turning points in modern history through her own eyes。There's a reason that Allende is the undisputed Queen of magical realism - she invokes a sense of beauty and wonder, finding light even in the darkest of nights。 And we definitely go through darkness throughout this epic novel - wars, pandemics, poverty and loss are just some of the trials Violeta lives through, along with the harsh truths about being a woman and a Mother even a hundred years ago and the dangers it held simply to exist。 Told through a poignant and touchingly honest letter, Violeta not only manages to convey striking emotion but stunningly mesmerising settings and gentle, almost poem-like prose that flows seamlessly into one another like a dream。 Allende knows there is love at the heart of every story - and never fails to bring it to the surface and reveal it with tenderness and joy。 。。。more

Megan

Isabel Allende is the queen of the family saga, and this book absolutely wrecked me。 It begins in 1920 Chile, where Violeta is born at the time of the Spanish flu。 It then follows her 100-year life, and the political changes and violence that take place in Chile, all the way until the COVID pandemic of 2020。 (To be clear, this is not a book about COVID, though it is mentioned briefly at the end。) This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story of Violeta's life, detailing loves and losses amongst tu Isabel Allende is the queen of the family saga, and this book absolutely wrecked me。 It begins in 1920 Chile, where Violeta is born at the time of the Spanish flu。 It then follows her 100-year life, and the political changes and violence that take place in Chile, all the way until the COVID pandemic of 2020。 (To be clear, this is not a book about COVID, though it is mentioned briefly at the end。) This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story of Violeta's life, detailing loves and losses amongst turmoil。 Isabel Allende is quickly becoming a must-read author for me。 I love historical fiction that teaches you something, and I have learned so much about Chile's turbulent history through her books。 I highly recommend picking this one up and immersing yourself in Violeta's story。 。。。more

larayne harris

This book gripped me from the beginning。 Violeta tells her life story to her grandson as she reaches the end of her long life。 It is set against the history of South America, particularly Chile。 This is not a history I knew much about。 Violeta led a long, prosperous life, despite the many upheavals tragedies and unpleasant experiences she had, some of her own making。! Although written entirely from her own perspective, it never faltered or became long winded。 I highly recommend this book to all。

Cynthia

First, thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review。This book is the story of Violeta Del Valle, who at 100 years old, writes down the story of her life for her grandson, Camilo。 In this story, Violeta tells Camilo about those she loved, her two husbands and an obsessive affair with a man who also brutalized her。 Violeta became a successful business woman in her own right; and was at the forefront of women’s and pol First, thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review。This book is the story of Violeta Del Valle, who at 100 years old, writes down the story of her life for her grandson, Camilo。 In this story, Violeta tells Camilo about those she loved, her two husbands and an obsessive affair with a man who also brutalized her。 Violeta became a successful business woman in her own right; and was at the forefront of women’s and political issues。 She sadly didn’t find true love and compassion until much later in life。 I’ve enjoyed several Isabel Allende books, including a few I loved: House of Spirits, The Japanese Lover and Daughter of Fortune。 Violeta wasn’t one of my favorites。 It dragged for me and I looked forward to finishing it。 On a positive note, as always Allende offers strong characters; and a beautiful – but maybe better edited – narrative – her ability to help you visualize location and landscape is one of the best。 It had a lot of darkness, was very intense and I felt it jumped around so it was confusing at times。 I didn’t pick up on the narrative style until much later in the book so I wondered to whom the author or protagonist was speaking for much of the book。 。。。more

Devin Mainville

In my quest to read more internationally led me to Violeta, an epic saga of one woman’s life that encompasses a century of Chilean (and world) history。 Written as a letter to her grandson, the novel follows Violeta’s life, from her birth in 1920 during the outbreak of the Spanish Flu to her death in 2020 in the midst of our current pandemic。 I went into this knowing virtually nothing about Chile, so I really enjoyed learning more about its history - which is why I want to read books set all over In my quest to read more internationally led me to Violeta, an epic saga of one woman’s life that encompasses a century of Chilean (and world) history。 Written as a letter to her grandson, the novel follows Violeta’s life, from her birth in 1920 during the outbreak of the Spanish Flu to her death in 2020 in the midst of our current pandemic。 I went into this knowing virtually nothing about Chile, so I really enjoyed learning more about its history - which is why I want to read books set all over the world in the first place。 I also really enjoyed Violeta as a character, but the letter format didn’t work for me。 It felt too much like a listing of events than an immersive experience。 Like any life, there were interesting bits, but also bits that dragged。 The pacing felt odd, with a lot of time spent on Violet’s childhood and her later years breezed through in summary。 Overall, I enjoyed it more than I didn’t。 Many thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley for the #ARC。 。。。more

Coffee

Love, love, love!First I want to thank Random House /Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC。 If you weren't already a fan of Isabelle Allende then you will be after reading Violeta。Violeta was born in 1920 when the Spanish Flu reached the shores of her South American country。 Thus begins the incredible life of Violeta which reads like a memoir that she has written for her grandson, Camilo。 She recounts her life of prosperity and poverty, love and loss, democracy and Love, love, love!First I want to thank Random House /Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC。 If you weren't already a fan of Isabelle Allende then you will be after reading Violeta。Violeta was born in 1920 when the Spanish Flu reached the shores of her South American country。 Thus begins the incredible life of Violeta which reads like a memoir that she has written for her grandson, Camilo。 She recounts her life of prosperity and poverty, love and loss, democracy and fascism。 A century later she passes away during another pandemic。The beauty of Allende's storytelling draws you in and doesn't let go。 You celebrate and grieve along with Violeta as she navigates through a life filled with family, lovers, and children in a country that has crashed into a dark time。 My eyes filled with tears at the end as she bestows her last words of wisdom on to her grandson and embraces her death with calm and peace。 。。。more

Jill

Wow, what a book! It’s an incredible story, so full of meaning and relevance to our existence。 I was drawn into Violeta’s life from the very beginning and travelled with her until her death 100 years later。 The text is beautifully written, and all the characters come to life。 This is the first novel of Isabel Allende that I have read, and it certainly won’t be the last。 A truly gifted writer who does not mince her words and tells a story from the heart。 When I reached the conclusion I confess to Wow, what a book! It’s an incredible story, so full of meaning and relevance to our existence。 I was drawn into Violeta’s life from the very beginning and travelled with her until her death 100 years later。 The text is beautifully written, and all the characters come to life。 This is the first novel of Isabel Allende that I have read, and it certainly won’t be the last。 A truly gifted writer who does not mince her words and tells a story from the heart。 When I reached the conclusion I confess to shedding a tear for the heroine I had lost。My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Press for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Tasha

4。5 rounded up to 5Gosh this woman can write, the words just flow effortlessly and beautifully。 If you like/love Allende's writing then you will no doubt love this one as well, maybe even more so than her other works。 While I enjoyed the story, for me it's the writing that drew me back each time to this story。 It's the writing that also bumps this 4。5 star read to 5 stars。 I loved that we followed Violeta from her start in to the world to her exit from this world and everything in between; her l 4。5 rounded up to 5Gosh this woman can write, the words just flow effortlessly and beautifully。 If you like/love Allende's writing then you will no doubt love this one as well, maybe even more so than her other works。 While I enjoyed the story, for me it's the writing that drew me back each time to this story。 It's the writing that also bumps this 4。5 star read to 5 stars。 I loved that we followed Violeta from her start in to the world to her exit from this world and everything in between; her life, the times, the generations and the events。 Beautifully done, I'll read anything more Allende writes in the future。 Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and the author for a free ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review。 。。。more

AtomicBooks

This is a book like no other。 It is an incredible read, a real emotional rollercoaster of a read in fact, as I sit here having finished the book feeling quite teary。 This book is called Violeta but this story is as much about the country she lives in and its journey as it is about her, and for that reason I was quite surprised to find myself so affected by the story but both Violeta and Chile have had a bigger impact on me than I realised。。 It is a remarkable story that spans 100 years and neatl This is a book like no other。 It is an incredible read, a real emotional rollercoaster of a read in fact, as I sit here having finished the book feeling quite teary。 This book is called Violeta but this story is as much about the country she lives in and its journey as it is about her, and for that reason I was quite surprised to find myself so affected by the story but both Violeta and Chile have had a bigger impact on me than I realised。。 It is a remarkable story that spans 100 years and neatly starts and ends with a pandemic。 The story is written in the form of a letter and is biographic in style This story flows so well and although it is easy to read it is an incredibly powerful story of one country and one woman’s journey through life。 。。。more

Anne

This novel follows 100 years in the life of Violeta from 1920 to 2020 in a South American country which I assumed to be Chile。Violeta is a delightfully flawed character and daring for the time in which this was set。 Isabel Allende takes us on an enjoyable history lesson with sweeping descriptions of the events of this period。Like a lot of British I imagine, I have very little knowledge of South American involvement in world events like WW2 and the Cold War and so I did learn things as well as en This novel follows 100 years in the life of Violeta from 1920 to 2020 in a South American country which I assumed to be Chile。Violeta is a delightfully flawed character and daring for the time in which this was set。 Isabel Allende takes us on an enjoyable history lesson with sweeping descriptions of the events of this period。Like a lot of British I imagine, I have very little knowledge of South American involvement in world events like WW2 and the Cold War and so I did learn things as well as enjoying the fiction。Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Melissa

Utterly readable - I was entirely absorbed in the writing。 The narrator was not entirely likeable, and certainly made some mistakes in life; but who amongst us hasn’t I guess。Really historically interesting - it spans a full century, from pandemic to pandemic。

Becca for Paperback Treasures

Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors, I think I've read every single one of her books, and I will always pick up one of her books。 I've been really lucky that for her last couple of books that I have received early access to provide a review。 Allende is a Chilean author and many of her recent works incorporate the Pinochet dictatorship in some aspect。 It seems as though in her older age, Allende is attempting to reconcile events that touched her and her loved ones lives so closely。 It's Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors, I think I've read every single one of her books, and I will always pick up one of her books。 I've been really lucky that for her last couple of books that I have received early access to provide a review。 Allende is a Chilean author and many of her recent works incorporate the Pinochet dictatorship in some aspect。 It seems as though in her older age, Allende is attempting to reconcile events that touched her and her loved ones lives so closely。 It's resulted in some of her most personal works and Violeta lands among those works。 The book traces the life of Violeta from her birth in 1920 through her death in 2020 through a journal that goes to her grandson。 You are immediately immersed into the lives of the family from their depths of poverty to immense highs。 It is both intensely personal and beautifully written。 It is so easy to get lost in the lyrical writing of Allende and Violeta is worth picking up after its upcoming release。 Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the early access in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Amy

Unfortunately, this is a DNF for me。 Disappointing, because I love Isabel Allende’s books。 The writing is good, beautiful in places, but the way this story is told is very off-putting。 Because the book is written as a long letter from a 100-year-old woman to her grandson, I found it hard to get invested in the issues presented, or to connect to the characters emotionally。 I wanted to be drawn into the lives of the characters, to be immersed in the events which were being narrated - and that is t Unfortunately, this is a DNF for me。 Disappointing, because I love Isabel Allende’s books。 The writing is good, beautiful in places, but the way this story is told is very off-putting。 Because the book is written as a long letter from a 100-year-old woman to her grandson, I found it hard to get invested in the issues presented, or to connect to the characters emotionally。 I wanted to be drawn into the lives of the characters, to be immersed in the events which were being narrated - and that is the problem, this was a story being told, not one the reader can get lost in。 。。。more