I am a die hard Allende fan and this is an example of a writer at the top of her game! Absolutely loved it!

4.25

I loved reading about Violeta. Her life/story/interactions. I could not wait to return to reading. This was true for about 3/4 of the book when I felt it took a different turn and had a different tone. The novel became more political and I was not as entranced though sociopolitics/socioeconomics are of course a huge part of the story-- BUT -- I still highly recommend.

Violeta de Valle, 100 years old [!] tells her story to her grandson, Camilo [though it's not until almost 2/3 in that one learns who Camilo is].

Violeta is born in 1920, when the Spanish flu arrives in her homeland and dies in 202o, when the coronavirus reaches it. Phew.

Violeta has 5 brothers; her family is wealthy--until it is not.

She recounts "...devastating heartbreak and passionate affairs, times of both poverty and wealth, terrible loss and immense joy. Her life will be shaped by some of the most important events of history: the fight for women's rights, the rise and fall of tyrants..."

I was swept away by this account of historical fiction set in an unnamed South American country [likely Chile]. The novel is epic and intense. There is so much in it!

In no particular order: friendships, love/loss/loyalty, brutality, money/no money, family and extended family, passion, violence, abuse, poverty, German immigrants, a Norwegian diplomat, lesbians, drug addiction, revolution, affairs, entrepreneurship, resilience, heartbreak--I could go on and on. I loved many of the characters in addition to Violeta--especially Torito, Josephine Taylor, Facunda, and the Rivases.

There is beautiful writing/images and some humor:

"Distance erases the countours and colors of memory."
"We hugged with an affection born of shared disenchantment."
"My emotional lineage..."

"I'd become fond of him, despite the fact that his constant presence annoyed me."
"...my sisters-in-law, four happy, hardworking Valkyries..."
"The worst thing about the wheelchair is that my face is at the height of people's belly buttons and the first thing I see are their nose hairs."

I highly recommend this book. I was entranced and thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommend.

Violeta lives 100 years and shares her life history alongside the history of the country she loves. She shares her loves, her family and her growth as a woman. An inspiring story of love, courage and heartbreak at times. I loved how she is writing this story for Camilo and keeps his identity a mystery through most of the story. I was also very moved by the ending. Allende writes beautifully and while this was the first book I have read by her, I want to read more. Thank you #RandomHouse #VioletaEnglishEdition and #NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book.

Woven into landmark events of Chilean and world history from 1920 – 2020, is the life of Violeta del Valle – daughter of privilege and witness to the reversals of family and national fortune. I am a huge fan of Isabel Allende’s writing, which never fail to bring to life my trips to Chile. I confess to frequently learning my history through fiction, and Allende has been a reliable guide. True to form, she masters verisimilitude and carefully threads the story of Violeta’s life through each character.

Perhaps the reason I found Violeta so gripping, was her careful description of the initial stages of the fascistic take-over of Chile. Sadly, I’m currently witnessing evidence of the same initial political groundwork in the United States and as I read, I wondered if EA was sending a timely message to her American readers - that it can happen here.

My recommendation: A fascinating portrait of Violeta’s personal growth, her ability to master obstacles, including a primer on handling grief. My advice - read it to cheer Violeta on, read to learn Chile’s history, read it for a picture of an amazing country – but read it!

Thanks to Ballantine for access to an ARC.

I devoured this book, thank you so much to Netgalley for the ARC! Violeta is the life-story of a centenarian, and it is an amazing story! Violeta was born in the 1920's to a wealthy and prominent family of sons, the first daughter. They lose their fortune when she is a small child as the depression hits, but through her nanny, they find a loving and remote home at a farm in the wilderness of her country, away from big cities. She grows surrounded by a new created family, whose bonds are tighter than blood, and which create and anchor for her for the rest of her life. Her life as an adult takes her all over the world, as she uses her brains and common sense to build a business and fortune. She experiences love and loss. I don't' want to give away the whole thing because that is what this book really is--the story of a life and the lives touched by a life. I could not put this book down!

I am a huge fan of Isabel Allende - but over the years strayed away from her books. Violeta brought me back to the reasons why I lover her writing style and characters.

Told in a letter to her grandson, the story comes to life with Allende's descriptions of the land and the people. Family is not just formed by blood but by love! The book deals with so many topics and moves us forward through 100 years of Violeta's life with history and politics forming much of the background for the unfolding events.

There were a few moments where it lagged for me but overall I recommend it for all of Allende's fans - new or old.

“The reality is that everyone is responsible for their own life. We’re dealt certain cards at birth, and we play our hand; some of us lose, but others may play skillfully from the same bad hand and triumph”.

Thank you Random House Publishing and Netgalley,

What it is that makes the story of a life? This deeply moving and inspiring epic left me with that question. The descriptions of political unrest and upheaval, the fight for equality and justice, and the plight of those marginalized and in poverty could just as easily be read as modern day news rather than the 100 year history of the life of Violeta. It is truly a beautiful work that is a tribute to the strength and resilience of women, recognizing the love that is equal among a family by birth and family by choice, and celebrating great passions as well finding joy in simple moments

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read the advance review copy of this outstanding work.

A sweeping work covering 100 years, the life of title character Violeta. Born in 1920 during the Spanish flu pandemic and dying in 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak, Violeta is the Forrest Gump of Chilean history, her story taking us through the above-mentioned pandemics, the stock market crash, women's suffrage, World War II, earthquakes, military coup and subsequent regime, and CIA operatives, to name a few.

Violeta gets by on her determination and wits, the help of family and the generosity of a wide cast of characters. There's a lot of drama. A tragic death two-thirds of the way in is gut wrenching and ramps up the emotional power and tension of the story. The book is framed as a letter to a "Camilo", whose identify is somewhat projected and revealed late in the story. The historical arc is solid and interesting but it's Violeta's personal narrative that drives the heart of this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first novel I have read by Isabel Allende. I have been curious about her novels for a long time because I am a fan of Historical Fiction and have heard wonderful reviews. This novel was different from any Historical Fiction novels I have read in the sense that it took place in South America and also references Norway, two places I know very little about. It was great to learn about them both, but not knowing which country it takes place in threw me a bit. I kept researching online to find out more about events and came up empty. I was confused about what was real and what was Fiction, so I was a bit distracted throughout the book. I also feel like the first half of the book grabbed my attention much more so than the second. The end read more like a history book at times, and the letter seemed to drag on at the end without any semblance of order. I really wanted to love this book, but I found it was simply mediocre as a whole. There were parts I truly enjoyed in the beginning, but as a whole just didn't hit the mark for me. That being said, I will give her other books a try in the future.

I wish to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishers, Ballantine Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I found this book to be a slow read and not one to rush to finish. It is the story of a one hundred year life that spanned from 1920 to 2020 through two pandemics. You follow Violeta’s life, loves, family and history of the turmoil in her country. It is personal as well as very historical. The story is told through a series of letters telling of the events in her life and the lives of those near and dear to her. Violeta is a strong woman and speaks out for women’s rights in a time and country where that was new to the citizens and government.

The reader knows that the story is set in South America but is never actually told where so I found that to be distracting. Since I could not have previous knowledge of the history of her country, I do wish she had been more specific.

The author’s style of writing is very enjoyable and I would have stopped mid way through but I did want to get the outcome of the story. I liked the book but did not love it.

I love anything by Isabel Allende so I was really excited that I was approved for this ARC.

Violeta is born in 1920 as the Spanish flu epidemic is raging and is 100 during 2020 while the coronavirus pandemic is in full swing. The story is actually written in the format as a “letter” to her grandson, Camilo. It takes place in an unnamed country in South America. The first half of the story sucked me in!

Violeta was born in an affluent family with a European Governess, Josephine. When the family loses everything and has to go into hiding, a friend of Josephine offers her family’s rural farm as a place of refuge. There, Violeta’s life begins.

As the story follows Violeta’s tumultuous life, the reader is also introduced to the politics of the time, as well as Violeta’s struggles and heartbreak, joy and successes… eventually introducing us to her grandson, Camilo.

I found the second half less engaging and more mired in politics than I would have liked. As usual, Allende has written about a fiercely independent and strong female protagonist. I definitely enjoyed this novel very much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this advance readers copy from one of my favorite authors. This review can be found on my Goodreads profile and on IG @maria.needs.to.read
This book will be published in January 2022.

Born in 1920 during the Spanish Flu pandemic and dying in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, Violeta tells her 100 year story to Camilo, an unspecified person in her life (revealed later). Isabel Allende’s writing is beautiful and engaging. I really enjoyed the beginning of Violeta’s story…her childhood and move to the farm. I loved the characters on the farm and the close-knit relationships.

The story took a bad turn for me when she met Julian Bravo. Bravo seemed like a caricature…he was handsome and powerful and could conquer any feat. Even his name is Bravo! I could see Violeta getting swept up by him for a hot minute but to continue the relationship for so long seemed out of character for the girl that thrived doing farm chores and reading in her private haven. Her personality changed at this point and she became all about material things and she was so unlikeable.

The relationship described between Bravo and their daughter was disturbing and I disliked the addiction storyline.

This book reminded me a lot of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan series in how history was laid out and how the relationships became destructive and cringey.

While thoroughly researched, the book became very tedious with political details about regimes and factions. Lots of telling, not enough showing.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What can I say? In my mind and heart Allende can do no wrong..she has been a fav of mine for nearly 20 years. Her lyrical prose and ability to create a movie in your mind - no matter the story or genre - remains her calling card and why everyone should have a few Allende books on their TBR list. Even when translated the magic of her worlds seeps through and takes the reader some place they didn't know they were going but would never want to leave.

A beautiful tale of a womans life that spans 100 years in the form of a letter to a loved one. She begins at her birth, telling the background of her family, their home and business. In the middle she shares her career, relationships, politics, family dramas, etc. She ends on her deathbed as she reflects back on things and moments she is grateful for.

Violeta is quite the feminist which almost didn’t fit in with the time period in my time frame of mind…She addresses how women couldn’t own a house, or have their own bank account, but that over time things shifted for women. I did appreciate the recognition of the problems women have faced in a mans world…but she really pushed what almost felt like an agenda.

One thing is true-Allende has a knack for words and writing! I do love reading her books. They flow with meaning and passion that I feel from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advance e-copy in return for my review.

This wonderful book is written in the form of a farewell message or "testimony " by the title charachter to her beloved grandson Camilo. It is the story of spanning a hundred years encompassing the tumultuous life of both Violeta and Chile her country. I came to love this charachter. She has a dry, understated tone that serves to underline her passion when it emerges. Violeta is an engaging and brutally honest narrator and I found myself spending every spare minute with her until I reached the end of her story.

The story begins with Violeta's birth in the midst of the Spanish Flu epidemic. She is the coddled youngest child of a well to do businessman, taken care of by Miss Taylor, her English nanny. The family's world turns upside down as a result of the world wide financial collapse of the Great Depression. They seek refuge in Santa Clara, a town in the outermost reaches of Chile and are saved and succored by those who have very little themselves. As the story progresses the setting expands over the rest of Chile, to the US and to Europe. Always though, this little town and its people are a touchstone for Violetta.

Violeta's story is populated with strong women who persevere despite existing in a society where they have few rights.; they are little more than chattel, not being able to own their own property, have control over their bodies or do work for which their talents are suited. In every aspect of her long life Violeta moves beyond these restraints. She is a talented in business and accepts no societal restraints on what she does with her body or with whom. The other charachters are also imbued with strength and bravery. Make no mistake, this is a story about women and about feminism. The male charachters do not suffer as a result. They, with few exceptions, are portrayed as good, honorable people. Men are not the enemy here, the enemy is machismo.

I am extremely grateful to the publisher and to Netgalley for being given an advanced copy of this exceptional book.

I love Allende’s multigenerational stories where historical events and after math of those are embedded in the story. This is a story of Violeta and her hard to believe life as told by her to her grandson to make sure that he never forgets where she came from, what was her parents’ legacy and struggles they faced, where he came from and who his parents were, and how pandemics, coups, religion, relationships shaped their lives to make it what it is today.

Violeta was born into a very prominent family during Spanish flu pandemic. She was the only daughter after 5 boys and she was spoiled rotten until things started slip under her family’s feet. She had to move to this farm far away from her natural habitat only to discover herself, her passion, her needs, and her weaknesses. Her whirlwind of a life took her from lover to lover, country to country, and role to role. But her most important role was to be mother, father and grandmother to her grandson who was perfect, yet troubling, mixture of everyone in her life.

In this book, you don’t only read about how Violeta evolved into 100 year old women that she was today, but you read about a country and what it could do its people. I always loved Allende’s storytelling and this book delivers nothing less. If you are a Wonsan, be prepared to feel empowered.

Suc( a wonderful book. Written as a series of letters to her grandson, the narrator describes her 100 years of life - the struggles, accomplishments, sorrow and joy. I learned a lot about South America. The narrator’s passion for life never wanes, even as she accepts her death. The beautifully written prose transports the reader easily through the story. I didn’t want it to end!

Learning about other cultures is one of the best reasons to read so this book is a gem! It follows one woman’s amazing life in Chile from 1920 to 2020 including 2 pandemics, political upheaval, WWII German immigrants, and the coming of age of “women’s” issues like abortion, voting rights, and domestic violence. Not to be overlooked are more personal issues like drug use, religion, and lots of passion. Written as a letter to her grandson, this novel is a personal account of a century of life and change—easy to read and filled with love and caring.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC to read and review.

History, culture, and women of depth are a few of the poignant concepts we have come to recognize and love from Isabel Allende’s novels, and Violeta is no exception. Minuscule hints of magical realism are present, blink, and you’ll miss them, but they're there. In Violeta, readers take part in Violeta’s 100-year life bookended by historically marked moments, the Spanish flu, and the Coronavirus pandemics. Reminiscent of Paula, Violeta has written an extensively detailed letter to a loved one. A loved one we come to learn later on is her grandson. I was slightly annoyed by that at first. I wanted to know who this person was and why was he deserving of all these details? From her daughter's atrocious behavior to the history of her lovers, Violeta bared all, and these aren't details you share with just anyone.

For me, the story started slow. When Violeta talks about the Spanish flu, my first thought was: "oh no, Allende is jumping on the pandemic bandwagon." It's not the first story I've read, read about, or seen that addresses the pandemic as part of the storyline. But it's just one of the backdrops in Violeta; once I realized it, I felt better about the book. As the story progressed, I was involved and intrigued. I noticed parallels to both Paula and A Long Petal of the Sea but Violeta's voice takes over, and a somewhat clueless woman evolves into a woman of worth. While we know where the story takes place (Chile, duh!), Violeta could be a woman in any Latin American country. A woman who lived in a country that has faced war, political turmoil, dictatorships, and this pesky thing called machismo. She plays it smart when it comes to money, but that was a lesson she learned the hard way.

"The fairy tale that all humans are equal before the law and in the eyes of God is a lie, Camilo. I hope you don't buy into it. Neither the law nor God treats everyone the same. That is especially obvious in this country." I think this line could be a gut punch to any religious devotee, regardless of your religion. Applicable to any country, not just those in Latin America, and applicable to any point in history. It's phrases like these that made me think Violeta was more than just another story about a common woman. A woman considered the everyday woman who watched, learned and grew with each generation. It's significant also that she shares this statement with a priest. This was one of those moments in the book I wished Allende would have given Camilo a voice. What reaction would he have given? Would he have given his opinion as a priest or as a family member? Violeta saw how things changed, but also how so many things stayed the same. And when you give things enough time (100 years), history is bound to repeat itself.

Written in the beautiful prose we know to love and expect from Isabel Allende. Violeta is 100 years in the life of a South American woman. Starting from her birth during the 1920 pandemic and continuing to her death entering another pandemic, Violeta recounts the story of her life to Camilo. You don't know the relationship to this person until halfway through the story, so I won't spoil it here. Violeta is a strong woman who recovers from family tragedy, loves and losses. Overlaying her story is the story of South America, communism, democracy, and US involvement in supporting and overthrowing governments. Violeta is joined by an interesting cast of characters, especially her nanny who remains a part of the family for her entire life. You will be amazed at Violeta's strength, impressed by her business acumen, and angry at some of the poor choices she makes in love. It's a beautifully written story and I loved every word of it, although I didn't love everything that happened.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.