I get excited every time Isabel Allende has a new book coming out, knowing a strong, independent female character will be at the center of her novel...

My Name Is Emilia del Valle is no exception. Emilia is confident, unafraid, and talented. She is tall and beautiful, which is a plus when you are the only woman in a profession primarily held by men, and often the only woman in the room.

This book is written in a first-person narrative with the feel of a memoir. Emilia's thoughts are free-flowing, yet she cautiously holds back specific details, fearing her words could hurt someone dear to her. Emilia is searching for her place in the world and welcomes adventure in her endless pursuit.

The setting of the late 1800s feels authentically drawn, whether it takes the reader to San Francisco or various parts of Chile during the civil war. Allende's writing transports you there. The story explores themes of discovering your identity, understanding love and family, and realizing the devastating impact of war.

My name is Emilia del Valle has an ending that works. It is not a perfect ending, but it perfectly fits the main character, Emilia del Valle.

5⭐

Thank you to Ballantine Books and Isabel Allende for the gifted DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I really enjoyed this book, as usual from Isabel Allende. It ties historical events and human spirit together so well. I felt a lot of the themes it touched on are especially poignant given the current political state in the US. I will say though Emilia came too close to death too many times and did not die which felt a little too happy ending to me lol.

In my head, Isabelle Allende can do no wrong and this book is no exception. An author sets off for South America on a journey of self discovery and to find her daughter. This is a story of honestly, truth, and self discovery!

Set in the US and Chile in the 19th century, the novel follows Emilia del Valle, a daughter of an irish woman. Despite not being recognized by her father Gonzalo Andrés del Valle, she was raised by her mom and Papo, a Mexican headteacher of a school in San Francisco, and since her childhood, she became a writer of dime novels under a penname. Later on, she became a journalist using the same nom-de-plume until she felt strong enough to swim against the tide and reveal her real name.

In this historical fiction novel, Allende took me again to Valparaiso and Santiago, teaching me through fiction about the Chilean Civil War. It was sad to read about a divided nation ending the life of people because of their own interests. Aside from this sad conflict, it also highlights the richness of the vast country, the history, and its native groups.

This is a poignant novel about love, identity, self growth, and discovery, and as in most of the other novels, migration and feminism are themes also present.

It made me think of all the impediments that women might still face in the present in order to write and, as well, to think on the hard job of a journalist being sometimes exposed to risks in order to cover an event or expose the truth.

I'm very fond of Isabel Alllende who I met through The House of Spirits Trilogy (my favorite books by her) and even if I have been reading her latest works I hadn't connect enough with the stories until now.
I enjoyed the book from the beginning and found it very emotional and rich in history and as well I think there's a lot of Isabel in this fiction novel. She is currently 82 years old, and this is her 28th book.
I hope other readers love this novel as much as I did.

Publication Date: May 6th, 2025

Thank you, Ballentine Books - Random House, for the digital-ARC.

I really enjoyed this fast-paced inspirational story about the life of a woman in the late 1800's. It begins in San Francisco and ends in the wilderness of Chile. This brave, adventurous woman risks her life to seek her values and I have a lot of admiration for her. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the ARC. This is my fifth novel by the author and they just keep getting better.

A young writer sets off to South America in search of herself and find the truth out about her daughter. The authors continues to give us historical elements in a fiction novel that keeps the narrative authentic and informative.

This covers identity, courage and self discovery.

In this piece of historical fiction, we get to know Emilia del Valle, a woman born of a disgraced Irish nun who was seduced by a Chilean aristocrat in San Francisco in the late 1800s. Raised by her harsh mother and warm schoolteacher stepfather, Emilia grows up to be an inquisitive and forthright young woman. She pursues writing and eventually finds a position with the San Francisco Examiner. Her talents and skills land her an opportunity to cover the civil war in Chile, which also provides her with an opportunity to learn more about her father and his side of the family. Her time in Chile leads to connection, both familial and romantic, and a harsh dose of the violent realities of war. The novel is descriptive and easy to follow up until the very end where Emilia chases something that feels just out of her reach. The ending was definitely a choice; it didn't quite sit well with me.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
This is my first book by author Isabel Allende, and I just want to read more. She is a very talented author. In this story she has created a headstrong, freethinking young woman, Emilia del Valle. She is being raised by her mother and stepfather. She loves to write, and she is given the chance when she convinces the editor of The Daily Examiner to hire her. She is given the chance to go to Chile, where a Civil War is brewing, as a journalist. This changes her life. She grows up and also makes contact with her real father and his family. The author's description of the war and Chile were very realistic. I felt like I was there. I thought this was an excellent book, and I really liked the main character and her views on life.

Isabel Allende does not disappoint. I tried to take my time with this book, wanting to relish every word, but the story simply wouldn't let me. I was hooked from the very first page! Allende's historical fiction is truly something special – I always come away feeling like I've experienced a place and time, not just read about it. I've honestly learned more about Chile and California from her than from any textbook.

This new novel centers on the captivating Emilia del Valle Claro, a young woman growing up in San Francisco's Mission district, encouraged to think for herself and embrace her talents. Her path as a journalist takes her to 1890s Chile during a civil war, and what unfolds is a powerful exploration of a country in turmoil, the stark realities of different social classes, the fight for survival, and the heartbreaking consequences of war. But it's not just about the conflict; Emilia also finds her biological family and, wonderfully, love blossoms amidst the chaos. And in a satisfying turn, she claims her inheritance, which feels like a key to unlocking her true self and allowing her to move forward with purpose. As a longtime fan of the Del Valle family, I was thrilled to see some familiar characters pop up – a delightful treat!

This title and cover are beautiful-- immediately drew me to the book! this historical fiction piece was creative and expertly wove politics and events in the US and in Chile in a way I have never considered before. Emilia was such a stellar heroine!

Thanks to Ballentine and Netgalley for this advanced copy!

Isabel Allende is a great for a reason: she writes compelling characters in beautiful stories, highlighting women who travel the lengths of the world to know themselves and be independent and fierce in their choices and convictions. Emilia del Valle is not the exception. Born in California, she lives her life, going to Chile to cover the Civil War and prove herself as a journalist. She takes lovers, she meets family she didn't know existed, and she continues to live her fullest life possible. I love Allende's writing and I love her female characters. They are so human and wonderful and a joy to follow.

The only thing better than reading My Name is Emilia del Valle would be reading it in the original Spanish. It is truly a tour de force. The book starts with the story of her mother, Molly. The story then progresses to Emilia and how her natural assertiveness grows. Her love of writing (similar to that of Isabel Allende, I'm sure ;) ) leads her through career paths not traditionally open to women at the time. And that love leads her to Chile and its civil war where she also finds her del Valle relatives. The story is captivating and one you will be reluctant to put down. Kudos Ms. Allende!

My Name is Emilia Del Valle: A Novel by Isabel Allende

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another beautifully written historical fiction by Isabel Allende. The story follows Emilia as she grows as a writer. She starts writing dime crime novels, published under a pseudonym. Emilia then turns to journalism, writing articles for local paper. From this job she lobbies to be sent to cover a brewing civil war in Chile, the home of her birth father. As the war heats up, Emilia finds herself in danger and falling in love with her colleague. Through beautiful descriptive language and fantastic character development, this is a story that will stick with you.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Fans of Isabel Allende will be able to purchase the book in early May.

The latest novel by Isabel Allende doesn't disappoint. A journalist at a time before women were accepted by their peers Emilia del Valle perseveres to become a war time correspondent in Chile during a civil war.

Emilia is such a determined and authentic character that I found it easy to root for her to succeed in a path that was nearly impossible for a female to even attempt in the late 1800s. The graphic nature of war and its consequence was hard to get through at times. Yet I recognize that it was important to include in the narrative of Emilia's story to help better understand how it shaped who she became as well as how it changed the world around her.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction, especially Isabel Allende’s books. So, when I got an ARC of her latest novel, I was super excited. But unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. I’m not sure why! I read this in English, and I usually read her books in Spanish, so I think it might have gotten lost in translation.

Emilia del Valle is a young journalist in San Francisco who’s writing under a pen name. She’s been asked to cover the war in Chile, and she’s eager to go. She’s also hoping to find her father, who she never knew.

This novel follows Emilia’s journey. She’s a strong and brave woman who’s not afraid of anything.

I want to thank NetGalley and Ballentine Books for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am a dedicated lover of Isabel Allende's writing. I think that I have read everything book that she has written. Most of her novels are wonderful. A few are ok and a few are books that I just did not like. This book falls into the category of "just ok" as far as I am concerned. The politics of the story were difficult to follow. War is always a difficult topic to read. I might tell my friends to skip this book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Historical Fiction + Literary Fiction

My Name is Emilia del Valle is a historical novel set in 1866 in San Francisco. It follows the protagonist Emilia right before her birth and how her mother got pregnant with her when she was an Irish nun. Her Chilean aristocrat father didn’t want to do anything with her or with her mother.

When Emilia grows up, she starts writing stories and novels under a male pen name. And then she ends up writing a column in The Daily Examiner under the guidance of Eric Whelan, a reporter who becomes her mentor. Their work collaboration and partnership get stronger with time.

When an opportunity arises for a reporter to go to her dad’s homeland, Chile, which is on the brink of a civil war, Emilla signs up for it, and she gets a new contract where she can now write under her real name instead of a male pen name. Eric becomes her partner in this mission, and the two find themselves in very dangerous situations. Being there will also give Emilia the chance to search for her father and his family.

The story is narrated in the first-person style from Emilia’s perspective, and through her voice, we follow her journey, which shows how a person can grow and mature in the most difficult circumstances. If you love stories with a strong female protagonist, then this novel is the one for you.

This is the third book I've read by the author, following the highly enjoyable Violetta and The Wind Knows My Name. Like those two, this story is deep with a rich historical setting, especially the parts that take place in Chile. The author did an excellent job showing the tension and the very tense mood of the people during that time.

I'm unsure how historically accurate the book is since I haven't read anything about Chile before, but the author presents things in a very realistic and believable way. The story encompasses themes such as coming of age, feminism, and the search for one’s identity and roots. Allende’s prose and exceptional storytelling enhance its richness.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book.

Grateful to #NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the ARC!

Emilia del Valle is a writer and journalist born in San Francisco in the late 1800s to an Irish mother and an absentee Chilean father. She grow up to become a journalist who travels to Chile as a foreign correspondent to cover the Chilean Civil War of 1891. While there, she promises her mother to reconnect with her father and in doing so, Emilia builds connections to her ancestral homeland despite the political upheaval.

I know very little about the history of Chile and this period in particular and this novel made me interested in learning more about that history. Emilia is a remarkable character and I greatly enjoyed her story. This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction and are interested in exploring unique historical settings.

4..25 ⭐️. I fell in love with Allende’s writing years ago after reading Daughter Of Fortune and The House Of The Spirits. She’s a masterful storyteller and I was beyond thrilled when I was approved to read an advance copy of her latest. This story takes place in San Francisco and Chile and follows the life of Emilia as she forges her own path as a writer and journalist in the late 1800s. Emilia’s journey ultimately takes her to Chile to cover the civil war taking place there. While in Chile, she is able to learn more about her roots and find love and purpose.

In true Allende fashion, the writing in this book is rich and immersive. If you enjoy books about strong and independent women, I highly recommend you add this book to your list!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I will post my review on Goodreads and my bookstagram close to the publication date.