Violeta

Violeta

  • Downloads:4577
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-01-14 02:51:44
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • 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

Theresa Alan

4。5 stars rounded upVioleta is born in 1920 in South America during the Spanish flu, the first girl after five boys and several miscarriages。 Violeta tells her story to someone she loves when she’s approaching her 100th birthday—during yet another pandemic, this time COVID 19。 During those hundred years, there is the upheaval of the Great Depression, marriage to someone she doesn’t love and a long-lasting but emotionally and sometimes physical abusive affair to a man she does。 She has children a 4。5 stars rounded upVioleta is born in 1920 in South America during the Spanish flu, the first girl after five boys and several miscarriages。 Violeta tells her story to someone she loves when she’s approaching her 100th birthday—during yet another pandemic, this time COVID 19。 During those hundred years, there is the upheaval of the Great Depression, marriage to someone she doesn’t love and a long-lasting but emotionally and sometimes physical abusive affair to a man she does。 She has children and makes money, but it’s difficult for her to control her money because she’s a female。Themes of women being able to control when they give birth and controlling what money they can earn permeate her hundred years on Earth。 There’s government overreach and women fighting for the right to vote and being able to love who they love。 It's ridiculous that we’re still battling those same issues。 It’s a different time and a different country here in America, yet only some things have gotten better。 Sadly the cliches about two steps forward and one step back is still applicable。Allende is a gifted writer and this epic story that reaches across continents and decades makes for an absorbing read。Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES JANUARY 25。 。。。more

🕊Faloni © arr 💰🏃‍♀️🥗✈️

Best night ever。

April Socarras

📕 Book Review📕 Violeta - Isabel Allende (4 ⭐️) This is the first book that I have read by Isabel Allende。 I told myself this year that I would go out of my comfort zone and read other genres。 I was recommended Isabel for her writing and how she balances the line of imagery with her characters set to a specific time in history but without overwhelming the reader。 Thank you @netgalley for my Advanced Copy, as well as Random House Publishing。 The cover is just so beautiful and classic I dove right 📕 Book Review📕 Violeta - Isabel Allende (4 ⭐️) This is the first book that I have read by Isabel Allende。 I told myself this year that I would go out of my comfort zone and read other genres。 I was recommended Isabel for her writing and how she balances the line of imagery with her characters set to a specific time in history but without overwhelming the reader。 Thank you @netgalley for my Advanced Copy, as well as Random House Publishing。 The cover is just so beautiful and classic I dove right into it。 Highly recommend this book to anyone who is fans of the author, literary fiction and/or historical fiction。 Set in Chile from 1920 until 2020。 It’s a series of letters from a grandmother (Violeta) recounting her life story and memories to her grandson Camilo。She tells her story in the form of a letter to someone she loves above all others, recounting times of devastating heartbreak and passionate affairs, poverty and wealth, terrible loss and immense joy。 Her life is shaped by some of the most important events of history: the fight for women’s rights, the rise and fall of tyrants, and ultimately not one, but two pandemics。 。。。more

Jenny

Violeta | Isabel Allende | Book Review336 Pages | Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction | My Rating: 5 StarsThank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! I spent every free moment I had with Violeta。 I couldn’t get enough。 Ten extra minutes before work? Reading Violeta。 Should be grocery shopping? Reading Violeta instead。 Waiting for my nail polish to dry? Reading Violeta。 I would even go to bed an hour early so I could read。 A lot of this book hits home as w Violeta | Isabel Allende | Book Review336 Pages | Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction | My Rating: 5 StarsThank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! I spent every free moment I had with Violeta。 I couldn’t get enough。 Ten extra minutes before work? Reading Violeta。 Should be grocery shopping? Reading Violeta instead。 Waiting for my nail polish to dry? Reading Violeta。 I would even go to bed an hour early so I could read。 A lot of this book hits home as we are living through the Covid pandemic。 This is a story of a woman with immense resilience and strength。 So much happens in this book and it’s difficult to write a review without spoilers so I’m keeping it short for that reason。 I definitely think you should read this one and I do not want to be responsible for taking anything away from your reading experience。 Violeta is chronicling her life which contains her fair share of tragedy。 It’s a story of love, not just the romantic kind, but also of families and friends who become family。 It’s also a story of perseverance through the hard times and enjoying the good times。 I feel like the heart of this book is summed up by a quote from Violeta “There’s a time to live and a time to die。 In between there’s a time to remember”。 She does this so eloquently。 The words all flowed so smoothly from the page to my brain and whenever that happens I just can’t help but love it。 Pub date is coming up on 1/25! #books #bookstagram #netgalley #randomhouse #reading #read #bookreview #5starbook #whattoread #violeta #isabelallende 。。。more

Jade

If you're a fan of Isabel Allende's other work, I imagine you'll enjoy this book。 There was a lot that I liked about it; it spans decades of Violeta's family history set against the backdrop of major historical events。 I loved getting to know the many people who Violeta knew and loved in her long life。 I think this novel did a good job of showing us history through Violeta's eyes while also showing her inability to keep pace with the changing political and social climate。 The generational divide If you're a fan of Isabel Allende's other work, I imagine you'll enjoy this book。 There was a lot that I liked about it; it spans decades of Violeta's family history set against the backdrop of major historical events。 I loved getting to know the many people who Violeta knew and loved in her long life。 I think this novel did a good job of showing us history through Violeta's eyes while also showing her inability to keep pace with the changing political and social climate。 The generational divide between Violeta and her children felt very relatable。 The machismo and other issues addressed in the book felt very real, and how Violeta dealt with those issues felt real too。Some things that didn't work as well for me。 The pacing felt a little slow sometimes; other reviewers have mentioned a lack of climax, and I think that contributed。 I understand that the retelling of one's life may be a slow ramble rather than an obvious climactic arc, but there was never a sense of growing excitement or anticipation like we were building to something。 Also, I know that Camilo is supposed to be the most important person in Violeta's life, but I wanted to see more of him。 By the time he's introduced, the book is mostly over, and we get some little snippets of her life with him, but it wasn't really enough for me, and I didn't get the clearest picture of their lives together or what they meant to each other。I do hold Isabel Allende to pretty high standards, and while I enjoyed this book, it isn't my favorite of hers。 Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Tomes And Textiles

I FINISHED。 RTC

Mel Rose (Savvy Rose Reads)

Rating: 4/5 StarsSynopsis: VIOLETA is a historical fiction novel told over the century-long life of Violeta Del Valle and chronicling the ups and downs of both her life and the history of her country (Chile, though—interestingly—she never names it explicitly)。 A much more detailed synopsis would be difficult without spoiling the entire novel, but it’s a narrative filled with tenderness, happiness, and kindness as much it is filled with violence, pain, and cruelty。My Thoughts: This is somewhat di Rating: 4/5 StarsSynopsis: VIOLETA is a historical fiction novel told over the century-long life of Violeta Del Valle and chronicling the ups and downs of both her life and the history of her country (Chile, though—interestingly—she never names it explicitly)。 A much more detailed synopsis would be difficult without spoiling the entire novel, but it’s a narrative filled with tenderness, happiness, and kindness as much it is filled with violence, pain, and cruelty。My Thoughts: This is somewhat different from the novels I usually gravitate to, and definitely different from anything I read in the past year or so—it takes a special kind of writer and a special kind of character to keep me invested in this type of narrative the whole way through。 Fortunately, Isabel Allende is a special kind of writer and Violeta is a special kind of character。This book is equal parts uplifting and heartbreaking and I’m so glad I read it。 It has an almost Forrest Gump vibe (sounds strange but I mean this in the best possible way) in that Violeta experiences many important historical moments almost unwittingly, without understanding their larger context until later in her life。 And through this historical lens, Violeta’s growth as a person and as a character, and her evolving understanding of the world and the people around her, was fascinating to watch unfold。 Ultimately, this book is a shining example of how one life, even one that is supposedly “not special,” can have a massive impact。 Thanks to the publisher for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!Recommended for everyone, but especially if you love: historical fiction; feminist narratives; Latinx literature。CW: sexual assault; intimate partner violence; self-harm/suicide; homophobia; racism; Nazism/xenophobia; pregnancy/childbirth/abortion; drugs/alcohol/addiction; government oppression; imprisonment/incarceration; death (human and animal)。 。。。more

Sharon

Love starting the new year with a book I couldn't put down!Thanks, Goodreads giveaways! Love starting the new year with a book I couldn't put down!Thanks, Goodreads giveaways! 。。。more

Maria

I received this book as an advance reading copy a while ago and did not get to read the book until now。I do appreciate how it incorporates Chilean history, but everything else is trite。 There is nothing remarkable about the story。

Phyllis Bornstein

First, the criticism。 I started reading Isabel Allende 20 years ago--first in Spanish, then in English to make sure I hadn't missed anything。 The translator of her earlier books had a lovely, lyrical style。 Then I got lazy and started reading in English only。 I am disappointed with the translation of Violeta and wish I had read it in Spanish。One of the things I like about Allende's work is the creation of a story around a time and place, and she did not disappoint this time。 I was aware of the c First, the criticism。 I started reading Isabel Allende 20 years ago--first in Spanish, then in English to make sure I hadn't missed anything。 The translator of her earlier books had a lovely, lyrical style。 Then I got lazy and started reading in English only。 I am disappointed with the translation of Violeta and wish I had read it in Spanish。One of the things I like about Allende's work is the creation of a story around a time and place, and she did not disappoint this time。 I was aware of the coup in Chile and the rounding up and "disappearing" of innocent people, and this brought back memories。 Of course, there were many things I didn't know, and that made the story more interesting。 Isabel Allende is still at the top of her game and I hope she keeps writing until she's 100。 。。。more

Lori Sinsel Harris

Violeta lives a long, interesting life。 She writes a series of letters to her beloved grandson Camilo, telling him of her extraordinary life。 She was born during the Spanish flu epidemic and lived until the Corona Virus epidemic。 Wioleta tells 100 years of passion, heartbreak, loss and gain。 She has lived thru world wars, political unrest, the great depression and all the other events of the 20th century。 She has gone from riches to rags and back, experienced ups and downs, soy and sadness。 She Violeta lives a long, interesting life。 She writes a series of letters to her beloved grandson Camilo, telling him of her extraordinary life。 She was born during the Spanish flu epidemic and lived until the Corona Virus epidemic。 Wioleta tells 100 years of passion, heartbreak, loss and gain。 She has lived thru world wars, political unrest, the great depression and all the other events of the 20th century。 She has gone from riches to rags and back, experienced ups and downs, soy and sadness。 She has lived life to its fullest。 This is a wonderful journey through time, I really enjoyed Violeta's story。 This is the first novel I have read by Isabelle Allende, but it won't be the last。 I highly recommend and I know now why it is one of the most anticipated novels of 2022。 Thank you to the publishers at Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return。 。。。more

London

Kept my interest the whole time reading it, I enjoyed it!

Dorothea

5。0 starsI received a complimentary Kindle book from NetGalley。 The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own。 Thank you, Isabel Allende, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book。I loved, loved。 loved Violeta。 This character lived a long and very interesting life with lots of twists and turns along the way。 In letters is how Violeta recounts her life which is a great way to tell this complicated and intense story。 I loved learning about Chile even thoug 5。0 starsI received a complimentary Kindle book from NetGalley。 The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own。 Thank you, Isabel Allende, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book。I loved, loved。 loved Violeta。 This character lived a long and very interesting life with lots of twists and turns along the way。 In letters is how Violeta recounts her life which is a great way to tell this complicated and intense story。 I loved learning about Chile even though the country was not explicitly identified in the book as well as other parts of South America。The book started out a little slow for me and then I had a hard time putting it down - there was a lot to setup in this novel。 It was beautifully written with incredible character development, settings, and storylines。This is only the second book by Isabela Allende that I have read。 I am super disappointed that I did not find her sooner - her first book was published while I was in college!! But, I am so thrilled and grateful that I have found another amazing author。HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 。。。more

Angela M

4。5 If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I was reading a memoir; it’s so intimate and detailed。 But then, it’s an Isabel Allende novel and I wasn’t surprised to find the heart and soul of her main character, Violeta del Valle in these pages, seeming to me like a real person。With the back drop of historical events and politics from 1920 - 2020, Violeta’s 100 years take us from one pandemic to another (although this current one briefly touched on - thankfully), from an unnamed country in 4。5 If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I was reading a memoir; it’s so intimate and detailed。 But then, it’s an Isabel Allende novel and I wasn’t surprised to find the heart and soul of her main character, Violeta del Valle in these pages, seeming to me like a real person。With the back drop of historical events and politics from 1920 - 2020, Violeta’s 100 years take us from one pandemic to another (although this current one briefly touched on - thankfully), from an unnamed country in South America , from city to rural locality, to Cuba, Miami, Los Angeles, but always back to her home country。It’s the story of a life, told in a letter to a grandson, a story of family, family by blood and family by chance, a story of riches and poverty, grief and joy, lust and passion and mostly love。 An absolute must read for fans of Allende 。I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House/Ballantine through NetGalley。 。。。more

Cassandra Manning

I can easily see why this book is one of the most anticipated stories of 2022。 With a century of life to unravel, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride of Violeta's life starting with one pandemic and ending with another。 That topic alone hits close to home right now, right? Add in multiple world wars, love affairs, children, family, moves, political exile, there is something in Violeta's life around every corner。 Violeta as a character comes across as many from her time do, as rather cold, strai I can easily see why this book is one of the most anticipated stories of 2022。 With a century of life to unravel, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride of Violeta's life starting with one pandemic and ending with another。 That topic alone hits close to home right now, right? Add in multiple world wars, love affairs, children, family, moves, political exile, there is something in Violeta's life around every corner。 Violeta as a character comes across as many from her time do, as rather cold, straightforward, and often selfish。 She is the product of a rather unloving home and thus does not have the warm, attached connection with her loved ones to share throughout her life。 Her non-romantic bonds appear forged by necessity rather than emotion, a stark contrast to how deeply she often gives herself over to her romantic ones。 She is often shrewd, a cold, hard surface, but it's obvious this is what has been needed in order to survive in the world she has lived。 Underneath the surface, she has love for her family, her romantic connections, and most of all, her country。 This story will take you on a wild journey, so buckle up! (It's a great one!)。 I received an advanced copy of Violeta for my honest review, all opinions are my own。 Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for early access! 。。。more

Thalia ♡

[ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review] - Vietnamese and English review2。5/5(Vietnamese review)Tác phẩm này là lá thư của Violeta del Valle gửi cho người cháu của mình, Camilo, kể về cuộc đời của bà từ lúc sinh ra đến khi mất。 Bà sinh ra lúc căn bệnh cúm đang bùng phát và mất đi giữa đại dịch corona。 Quyển sách này đi theo 100 năm cuộc đời bà với nhiều biến động và sự kiện nhưng có vẻ sự cao trào là điều còn thiếu。 Violeta được kể một cách khá nhanh khi 100 năm chỉ gói gọn trong hơ [ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review] - Vietnamese and English review2。5/5(Vietnamese review)Tác phẩm này là lá thư của Violeta del Valle gửi cho người cháu của mình, Camilo, kể về cuộc đời của bà từ lúc sinh ra đến khi mất。 Bà sinh ra lúc căn bệnh cúm đang bùng phát và mất đi giữa đại dịch corona。 Quyển sách này đi theo 100 năm cuộc đời bà với nhiều biến động và sự kiện nhưng có vẻ sự cao trào là điều còn thiếu。 Violeta được kể một cách khá nhanh khi 100 năm chỉ gói gọn trong hơn 300 trang sách, tuy nhiên mạch truyện lại đi một cách bình bình khiến đôi lúc mình cảm thấy câu chuyện khá chán。Mình không thích nhân vật chính。 Quyển sách đang cố gắng nói lên vấn đề phụ nữ bị đối xử bất công trong quá khứ (và bây giờ ở nhiều nơi vẫn còn như thế) nhưng lại để Violeta trở thành một người tồi tệ trước bằng cách để bà ngoại tình với người đàn ông khác。 Giá như có một lý do có lý hơn cho việc chia tay chồng thì có thể câu chuyện sẽ thuyết phục với mình hơn。Mình cho rằng nhân vật Violeta được khắc họa thiếu đặc sắc, thậm chí còn thiếu nổi bật hơn một nhân vật phụ mình yêu thích trong quyển sách này, Torito。 Tác phẩm này có rất nhiều nhân vật, một số chỉ là thoáng qua, và có lẽ mình chỉ nhớ phân nửa trong số họ vì phần sau thật sự là kém thu hút đối với mình。 Bên cạnh đó, cũng có rất nhiều mất mát, đau thương và đó là điều hoàn toàn có thể đoán được khi Violeta đã sống qua cuộc chiến lớn và điều đó khiến quyển sách có phần nặng nề, nặng về tâm lý và cả về yếu tố lịch sử-chính trị。Tuy nhiên, mình lại khá thích cái kết của quyển sách và trân trọng tình yêu thương của Violeta dành cho người cháu trai của mình。 Mình nghĩ rằng những ai yêu quý tác phẩm Hai Số Phận sẽ thích quyển sách này。---------------(English review)What should I say about this book? This book is a letter of Violeta del Valle to her grandson, Camilo, to tell the story from the year she was born until her death。 She was born during the influenza pandemic and she died during the breakout of coronavirus。 A hundred year in total with lots of events and stories but it seems like this book is missing a climax。 Everything is going pretty fast but the pace is so flat which bored me。 I dislike the main character, Violeta。 While the book was trying to bring up how women was mistreated, Violeta was turned into a bad person first by letting her having an affair with another man。 I wish there could be a better reason for her to leave in order to make everything more convincing。 I feel Violeta was portrayed poorly without any standout characteristic。 She was even outshone by the side character, Torito, my favorite man in this book。 There are so many characters that are jammed in this book and I'm pretty sure I'm just able to remember half of them。 There were also so many deaths and tensions which were expected and that made the book so depressing and heavy about politics at some points。However, I do like the ending of this book and I appreciate Violeta's love to her grandson。 I believe whoever likes Kane & Abel may love this piece。 Right now, this book is not my choice。Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the copy! 。。。more

Guillermo Perez

Violeta a now aging woman recounts her life to her grandson who is now a priest。 Through her storytelling we learn about her upbringing before the Spanish flu, her family losing all of their earthly possessions after the stock market crash, and moving to Santa Clara to start all over again。 She also recounts her years of being in love, independent and the many heartaches she endured in her long and well lived life。I thought this book was A M A Z I N G。 It was vivid in the depictions of the epoch Violeta a now aging woman recounts her life to her grandson who is now a priest。 Through her storytelling we learn about her upbringing before the Spanish flu, her family losing all of their earthly possessions after the stock market crash, and moving to Santa Clara to start all over again。 She also recounts her years of being in love, independent and the many heartaches she endured in her long and well lived life。I thought this book was A M A Z I N G。 It was vivid in the depictions of the epochs Violeta lived in, it felt fluid and I emotionally connected not only with Violeta but with many of the characters in this story。 I also really enjoyed the fact that it highlighted the Latino culture, how multifaceted it is, and the deep connection to the earth/land。 This book felt like an instant classic in the vein of Victor Villaseñor's Rain of Gold (another book I can't recommend enough)。 This book had a strong female lead that was full of hope, love and perseverance, like the many generations of women in my family both past and present that continue to awe and inspire。 。。。more

Felicity Johnson

Fascinating, captivating and a fantastic depiction of women in South America in the 20th and 21st centuries。 Violetta's life over a hundred years highlights the massive history and change, political upheaval, culture and community in Chile。 Her family and friends, relationships and experiences are absolutely fascinating, painful and real。So refreshing to read a whole life story filled with interesting history and stories。 Surprisingly varied, from a women's view in a very patriarchal society。 Br Fascinating, captivating and a fantastic depiction of women in South America in the 20th and 21st centuries。 Violetta's life over a hundred years highlights the massive history and change, political upheaval, culture and community in Chile。 Her family and friends, relationships and experiences are absolutely fascinating, painful and real。So refreshing to read a whole life story filled with interesting history and stories。 Surprisingly varied, from a women's view in a very patriarchal society。 Brilliant!! Loved reading this one and can highly recommend for your next book!Thank you for the opportunity to read early NetGalley。 。。。more

Jene

Isabel Allende has done it again! Violeta is a sweeping historical novel covering the life of the beautiful character of Violeta’s 100 years of life。 This story pulls you in from the first and keeps you engrossed until the very end。 Through letters to her beloved grandson Camilo, we learn of the relationships, loves, and many sides of this captivating woman。 From one pandemic to another, she has lived through it all and seen and dealt with so much。 Pain, heartbreak, joy, and love。 I loved this b Isabel Allende has done it again! Violeta is a sweeping historical novel covering the life of the beautiful character of Violeta’s 100 years of life。 This story pulls you in from the first and keeps you engrossed until the very end。 Through letters to her beloved grandson Camilo, we learn of the relationships, loves, and many sides of this captivating woman。 From one pandemic to another, she has lived through it all and seen and dealt with so much。 Pain, heartbreak, joy, and love。 I loved this book。 I love Isabel Allende’s storytelling and writing。 It’s descriptive and captivating- just exquisite! I can’t recommend this beautiful book enough。 It will definitely be one of my favorites of the year。 Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review。 。。。more

Jesika

To make a work of historical fiction this easy to read and to feel moved by is very hard - this is my first book by Isabel Allende despite having several on my shelf and it won't be my last。 The skill she has as a writer is legendary - for a reason, as it turns out。Violeta is turning 100 in 2020。 In a life that long she has had her fair share of loves, losses and twists of fate。 She writes to her Grandson to leave him the memories she wishes for him to know - think Gilead by Marilynne Robinson - To make a work of historical fiction this easy to read and to feel moved by is very hard - this is my first book by Isabel Allende despite having several on my shelf and it won't be my last。 The skill she has as a writer is legendary - for a reason, as it turns out。Violeta is turning 100 in 2020。 In a life that long she has had her fair share of loves, losses and twists of fate。 She writes to her Grandson to leave him the memories she wishes for him to know - think Gilead by Marilynne Robinson - and with them she leaves a record of the changing face of a nation, political upheavals and social changes, the challenges of motherhood, of purpose and of ambition。 Her story is one among millions and yet wholly unique, told with a relative understanding of her own faults and mistakes as she comes to the end of her life。This is a moving novel, firmly solidifying my belief that historical fiction can be incredible without being a dreaded heavy time in the right hands。 。。。more

Linda

An epic tale told from the perspective of a one-hundred-year-old women looking back through her life as told to her adult grandson, Camilo, through a written narrative in the form of a long letter。。 She tells him (and us) about her birth and life in South America during some of the most turbulent parts of our world's history。 This story doesn't hold back。 The role of women in the world was different in the early part of the twentieth century。 But she was resourceful despite that, as many women h An epic tale told from the perspective of a one-hundred-year-old women looking back through her life as told to her adult grandson, Camilo, through a written narrative in the form of a long letter。。 She tells him (and us) about her birth and life in South America during some of the most turbulent parts of our world's history。 This story doesn't hold back。 The role of women in the world was different in the early part of the twentieth century。 But she was resourceful despite that, as many women had to be in order to survive in a man's world。 I felt a range of emotion as I was reading this tale。 I felt her triumphs, heartbreaks, despair, and always her hopes and dreams for the future。 And we are lucky, because we get to see how it all turned out for her and her family。 This book is an epic achievement in great storytelling。 Isabel Allende is a master at making sure the details are right as she richly fleshes out her characters making them come alive for us。 Thank you to #NetGalley and #BallantineBooks for the opportunity to read an early copy。 。。。more

Shernell

Received ARC。 Thanks NetGalley! Will read closer to publication。

Brianna Miller

This was an epic, sweeping tale about one woman's life, from start to finish。 It was written in the form of a letter to a loved one (it's really not a "spoiler" to mention whom the letter is written to, but it's also not explained until probably 2/3 into the book, so I'm leaving that detail out of my review)。 This was an interesting format - while I've read epistolary type books in the past, this was not letters written back and forth, and wasn't even necessarily formatted like a letter。 But it This was an epic, sweeping tale about one woman's life, from start to finish。 It was written in the form of a letter to a loved one (it's really not a "spoiler" to mention whom the letter is written to, but it's also not explained until probably 2/3 into the book, so I'm leaving that detail out of my review)。 This was an interesting format - while I've read epistolary type books in the past, this was not letters written back and forth, and wasn't even necessarily formatted like a letter。 But it was what one could expect if a loved one told them the story of their life in letter form。 The book is set in South America (I believe in Chile), which is an area I have not read about very much, if ever, in a fictional book。 I enjoyed learning some of the history of that region。 The book takes us through the ups and downs not only of Violeta's life, but also through the upheavals and unrest throughout the 20th century in Chile。 The book recounts times of prosperity and poverty, joy and heartache, as well as the coming of age of not only Violeta but her children as well。 Violeta is a woman with faults, but still someone you find yourself cheering for throughout。 While at times I found myself wishing she were a better mother, I was also equally impressed with her business acumen, especially in a time when women had less rights。The only thing I will say is that at times I did find the book a bit wordy and meandering。 Sometimes it felt that the message could have come across a little more succinctly, but overall I really liked it。 If you have no interest in history or South America, it may not be the book for you。 But if you do, I think you'll find this book to be rich with information, while telling a beautiful story to boot。Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine books for the e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Alana

Allende has said in interviews that she was inspired by the life of her mother and their 50 years of daily correspondence。 I suspect parts of this book are autobiographical as well—Allende’s own life is mirrored in many parts of Violeta’s life。 I adored the strong and determined Violeta。 I cheered for her, loved her through her mistakes and understood her choices even if they weren’t ones I would have made。 Allende is such a gifted storyteller。 She gives you just enough detail to form impression Allende has said in interviews that she was inspired by the life of her mother and their 50 years of daily correspondence。 I suspect parts of this book are autobiographical as well—Allende’s own life is mirrored in many parts of Violeta’s life。 I adored the strong and determined Violeta。 I cheered for her, loved her through her mistakes and understood her choices even if they weren’t ones I would have made。 Allende is such a gifted storyteller。 She gives you just enough detail to form impressions of characters and places without overwhelming you and plenty of plot to move things along。 This was such a satisfying, absorbing read and I was sad when it ended。This ARC was provided by @netgalley and @randomhouse。 The opinions are my own。 。。。more

rylanne burdette

As Violeta shares her life story with her grandson, Camilo, she reflects upon the world around her and the choices she made during her fulfilling life。 She remembers those who made an impact, for better or for worse, and writes about her experiences in different stages of life。Isabel Allende has such a beautiful way with words, and I cannot help but be captivated by the stories she writes。 I first read Eva Luna by Allende for a literature class in college, and after thoroughly enjoying that one, As Violeta shares her life story with her grandson, Camilo, she reflects upon the world around her and the choices she made during her fulfilling life。 She remembers those who made an impact, for better or for worse, and writes about her experiences in different stages of life。Isabel Allende has such a beautiful way with words, and I cannot help but be captivated by the stories she writes。 I first read Eva Luna by Allende for a literature class in college, and after thoroughly enjoying that one, I knew I wanted to read more and was so excited to get an ARC of Violeta。 Historical and literary fiction are not my most read genres, but the books that I do pick up under those categories tend to resonate with me, and Violeta is one of those。 Although it did take me a little while to get acquainted with the timeline of the story, once I got into it, I could not put the book down。 I teared up at the end, sad to see Violeta's story come to a close。 Reading this book has cemented the fact that I want to eventually read all of Allende's books, and I cannot wait to see this one in bookstores once it's published!CW for mention of and attempted rape, violence, miscarriages, and loss of loved ones。A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC of Violeta by Isabel Allende! 。。。more

Lina Conk

This is a book I predict will be everywhere in 2022。 It is by an internationally well renowned author, Isabel Allende, she has written so many celebrated novels…This is a story that spans over 100 years。 It begins at the time of the Spanish Flu and ends in 2020 during the peak of Covid。 Violeta Del Valle Is writing a letter to her grandson Camilo before she dies。 She is honest and shares everything she went through in her life in this letter。 Living through 10 decades of history there are major This is a book I predict will be everywhere in 2022。 It is by an internationally well renowned author, Isabel Allende, she has written so many celebrated novels…This is a story that spans over 100 years。 It begins at the time of the Spanish Flu and ends in 2020 during the peak of Covid。 Violeta Del Valle Is writing a letter to her grandson Camilo before she dies。 She is honest and shares everything she went through in her life in this letter。 Living through 10 decades of history there are major historical events highlighted along with major life events—family hardships, loses, marriages, affairs, successes, unexpected tragedies。。✨My Thoughts I liked this book but I can’t say I loved it。 It was one of my most highly anticipated novels in 2022 so I really wanted to love it。 You all know I love a book that revolves around the elderly telling their life story—just look at my top reads in 2021! There were 3 books just like that。 Here is what preventing it from being the 5star read I was predicting- I think any time a book spans over so many decades you run the risk of just skimming the surface。 That is what happens here。 The timeline was moving fast but the story just felt so slow at times。 Not even sure if there was a climax? I really did feel like I was reading a letter and I wanted to feel more transported。 I wanted more dialogue and less of a summary of events。 There were also moments where I felt the story went off on a tangent and I felt myself drifting。。I do think Allende is an amazing storyteller, I just don’t know that this format worked for me。 I did really like Violeta’s reflection in the end and the subtle humor she had an old age。 The one stand out character for me was Torito。 I would have had loved more of him。 。。。more

Teresa Cornelius

Violeta by Isabel AllendeI have been reading Isabel Allende’s novels since The House of the Spirits was published in 1982。 I have loved almost all of them and Violeta is now exception。 It is a sweeping story which takes us from Chile in 1920 to the Chile of 2020 through the fascinating life of one woman as she tells her life story to her grandson , Camilo。 Her story begins in the family home where her father has locked the doors allowing no visitors in in order to try and evade the Spanish Flu p Violeta by Isabel AllendeI have been reading Isabel Allende’s novels since The House of the Spirits was published in 1982。 I have loved almost all of them and Violeta is now exception。 It is a sweeping story which takes us from Chile in 1920 to the Chile of 2020 through the fascinating life of one woman as she tells her life story to her grandson , Camilo。 Her story begins in the family home where her father has locked the doors allowing no visitors in in order to try and evade the Spanish Flu pandemic。 Her mother gives birth to her first daughter after giving birth to 5 sons。 Her life is impacted by world events and the Great Depression following the Wall Street Crash of 1929 means her family are reduced to living in Nahuel in the South of Chile as they struggle to evade their numerous creditors。 They live a simple life and as she gets older Violeta accompanies the teachers who travel to the small communities to educate the local people in return for basic hospitality。Violeta has a turbulent life there are stories of her husband her lovers and the passions of her life。 These are accompanied by the struggles which are going on in the wider world, the war, the dictators who take over the country, the plight of the disappeared and the role of America in the destabilisation of their country。 It is a sweeping story which is beautifully written, intense and dramatic。 It is the story of a colourful life lived through some astounding events。 Isable Allende’s powerful writing enables you to become immersed in the lives of the characters。 The settings are beautifully evoked through wonderful descriptions。 I would like to thank Isabel Allende, Bloomsbury and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review。 I will be encouraging my book groups to read this book and I wholeheartedly recommend it。 。。。more

Marianne Burke

Another immersive story from Allende。 Loved it。

Thelma

love this book so much Isabelle Allende has a way of writing stories that made you feel like you're walking in a movie set and you get to see every scene and get to know each character inside out。 making you feel part of the story and the characters this was the case of Violeta very strong determined woman who suffered so much, abuse betrayal, and many other things that made her into the woman that she was。Violeta was an amazing heroine, at the beginning I was a little mad that she was willing t love this book so much Isabelle Allende has a way of writing stories that made you feel like you're walking in a movie set and you get to see every scene and get to know each character inside out。 making you feel part of the story and the characters this was the case of Violeta very strong determined woman who suffered so much, abuse betrayal, and many other things that made her into the woman that she was。Violeta was an amazing heroine, at the beginning I was a little mad that she was willing to let these men treat her that way, but she was living in an era where women didn't have any right at all and were constantly mistreated, hurt and even raped and murdered。 These were times were Violeta was more determined to help all the women being abused。Many of the great characters that we get to meet during the course of the book are fantastic and make this book even more magical, like nieves, Felipe, Etelvina, Camilo, Juan Martin, Torito, Herald, and many more。Torito was one of my favorites because he really expanded true kindness and love to everybody around。 Violeta was a character that inspired so much, I felt like even the other characters were always in awe of her and her strong-willed determination towards life in general。This is the story of Violeta and Camilo she wrote his story so he could understand and learn what happened till this point in his life。Many great things to say about this book and the great characters, so many great views about what was happening during all those years during WWll but overall Violeta was amazing as a story and also as a character。 。。。more

hamna

there's so much to say about this book, and i don't think i'll do it any justice even if i try; there's always been something very compelling, to me, about books, or works of art about someone's life。 not just the adventures and the high points, but down to the grit and the boring day-to-day。 i didn't know what i was expecting starting this, if i'm honest; i started it out of a simple whim because it felt like something i might've wanted to read, in an almost abstract way。 and yet- reading this, there's so much to say about this book, and i don't think i'll do it any justice even if i try; there's always been something very compelling, to me, about books, or works of art about someone's life。 not just the adventures and the high points, but down to the grit and the boring day-to-day。 i didn't know what i was expecting starting this, if i'm honest; i started it out of a simple whim because it felt like something i might've wanted to read, in an almost abstract way。 and yet- reading this, from the first page itself was captivating- a poignant story of a woman who's lived a century, who has seen people come and go, has seen regimes and governments start and fall, who has lived, quite literally, from one pandemic to another - who has had kids and has had to leave them; lovers, who sparked and died out。 the narrative in and of itself is unlike almost anything i've read lately, (which might be 100% on me, but still); the writing is so engrossing, even the details and the little intricacies that may or may not come into play later。 i loved the characters, from start to end; i loved violeta and her story, i loved her resilience in the face of so much, her admittance, and her growth。 it takes awful wonders to create a character like her, i think, and i think this story would've fallen very flat indeed without her。thank you to random house for the arc。 (4。5/5) 。。。more