Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors ever since I blew through The House of the Spirits years ago. I always make her books a priority. Not only is she the first author of magical realism whose book I actually enjoyed, but I’ve also loved reading her historical fiction, no matter where it is set. So it was clear to me that I’d be reading this book, whether I got approved through NetGalley or had to wait until it was released.

You know the kind of books that are written in a way that manage to always get me to identify with a character, enjoy the journey through their life, and always fit just right when I read them, no matter the location or characters or time period. So I was already expecting that same feeling with this book, and Allende didn’t let me down.

We are introduced to Emilia del Valle, an Irish-Chilean woman, who grows up with her saintly mother, who was a candidate to become a nun before she was wooed by a Chilean aristocrat, then left alone and pregnant with nothing to give her daughter except his last name. However, she marries a Mexican-American man [her Papo] who raises Emilia as his own, offering her love, attention, and security, while encouraging her self-confidence, and teaching her never to let anything or anyone hold her back. It’s really easy to love both Emilia and her Papo, as well as her mother, who has kept the nunnish habit of selflessly giving to the needy, while also nursing her resentment towards the man who abandoned her. The whole family is immensely likable, but especially Emilia.

Emilia herself is intelligent and confident, and although the story is set in the late 1800s, she’s a modern thinker. The fact that her parents encourage her in whatever she chooses to do only helps her take on increasing challenges with success. She dreams of being a writer, and by her teen years, she is writing dime mystery novels under a male pen name. But she sets her sights higher, and soon finds herself writing a column at the San Francisco Examiner and paired with Eric Whelan, a man who writes news pieces, while her column is more of a human interest topic.

Always thinking out of the box, it felt like each situation or subject that Emilia approached was approached with interest and honest curiosity, and her writing earned her a devoted following. As the newspaper is looking to cover the civil war in Chile, Emilia mentions that she is part Chilean, and speaks fluent Spanish, and is sent to Chile along with Eric to cover both the war and her human interest topics. While she is there, she reaches out to the prominent family of her father.

The story is a fascinating one. It is set at a turbulent time in history, and focuses on a part of the world and events that I was just learning about through this book. A lot of times, I will follow a book up with a nonfiction about the same events, just to see the historical facts and learn more about Chile. This is one of those books. Seeing the world through Emilia’s eyes felt intrepid and exciting, while also highlighting some of the challenges she faced as a woman in a those times, when reporting on anything more than the social scene was viewed as ‘too strenuous’ for women. Her byline is attributed to her male pen name, but she dreams of being able to report under her own name.

Chile was a revelation. Emilia fell in love with the country, and by the end of the book, so did I. It makes me want to travel alongside her and experience all of the things too, but I was born more than a century too late to see this version of the world. As a reporter, she faces the world with an enthusiasm and curiosity that makes every experience an adventure, and it was exciting to read her tale.

Overall, this is one of my new favorite books as well as Emilia becoming a new favorite character in literature. After reading more than a few of Allende’s books, I’m always surprised at how she manages to create characters and situations that simply draw the reader in and builds an emotional rapport to at least one character in every one of her books. With her usual unwillingness to shy away from approaching heavier topics, she discusses themes of misogyny, racism, colonization, and the classism rampant in Chilean society, while also addressing them with sensitivity. I normally include both positives and negatives of any book I read, but I didn’t notice any negative things in the story, so I didn’t try looking too hard for flaws. This is a book that I can eagerly recommend to anyone looking to learn more about history or just to ease into reading a literary legend of South America. No matter which of her books you choose, you can’t go wrong—she’s a talented author who somehow manages to make every book of hers that I read into my new favorite. So go on and check it out for yourself!

What a powerful book!
In My Name is Emilia del Valle, Isabel Allende tells the moving story of a strong, resilient woman set against the backdrop of Chile’s civil war. It's a compelling narrative about identity, family, love, and a profound connection to one’s homeland.
The writing is mesmerizing, filled with vivid descriptions and historical detail about the Chilean civil war. Allende masterfully weaves fact and fiction, bringing to life not only a turbulent time in history but also the deeply personal journey of a woman discovering who she is.

Emilia del Valle is the daughter of an Irish novice nun, Molly Walsh, who had a brief, passionate relationship with a wealthy Chilean man who abandoned her when she became pregnant. Emilia is raised by her mother and a kind, loving stepfather, growing up to become a strong, independent young woman with a passion for writing.
Her talent lands her a job as a columnist at the San Francisco Examiner, where she meets Eric Whelan, a talented reporter who becomes the love of her life. When political unrest in Chile escalates into civil war, Emilia’s heritage and journalistic instincts draw her and Eric to the country to report on the conflict.
While in Chile, Emilia reunites with her biological father and begins to uncover the complex and painful truths of Chilean history. As the violence intensifies, she is forced to confront the horrors of war, question her identity, and ultimately discover a deep love—for Eric, for her family, and for the land of Chile itself.

One of the reasons I love reading historical fiction is the opportunity to learn about different cultures and moments in history through powerful storytelling. Before reading this book, I knew very little about the Chilean civil war, and I’m truly grateful to have gained insight into this important chapter of Latin American history.
This book is clearly well-researched and beautifully written. I especially appreciate the author's thoughtful portrayal of Chile’s political landscape, as well as the emotional depth she gives to Emilia's personal journey. The characters feel real and their struggles relatable, even set against such a historically significant backdrop.

Overall, My Name is Emilia del Valle is a moving and eye-opening novel that blends history, love, and personal discovery. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys stories of resilience and self-discovery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House – Ballantine Books for providing a copy of this book.

4/5 stars

I have been reading Isabel Allende since her first published novel, “La Casa de los Espíritus”. I can said, “My Name is Emilia del Valle” it’s one of her latest best works. It kept me engaged and captivated from the first page. There is many great things to enjoy and love about this book. Beautiful written, full of likable characters and historical facts. The pace is a roller coaster, sometimes suspenseful, others nostalgic, but always realistic.

It takes readers through Emilia’s childhood, culture, personal and professional journey in the late 19th century. I enjoyed Emilia’s strong and brave personality. She went against society, achieving her passion and challenging gender inequality. Allende has a special gift describing feelings and the landscape, without giving long nonsense details. She transports readers to different places and situations with a simple and engaging language. I felt I was part of the story. I appreciated the historical recount. I didn't knew anything about the Chilean Civil War before reading this novel.

Hardly recommended it to all historical fiction lovers and Allende’s fans!

Let me start by saying I am a big fan of Isabel Allende! Her last book was amazing and I rated it 5 stars and have loved her previous works as well.

Unfortunately, I could just not get into this book. The first 15% or so I found interesting but there just wasn’t enough character development for me to feel invested in the story. I found myself often spacing out while reading and decided to call it at 30%. I was just bored.

I think many will enjoy this book and I might even come back to it at some point but right now, it was for me.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

This story starts in San Francisco in the 1800s when Emilia's mother is seduced by a wealthy Chilean aristocrat and gets pregnant. She leaves the convent and eventually marries Francesco who helped raise Emilia. Emilia wanted to be a writer and Francesco encouraged her to write dime novels under a pseudonym (women did/t write novels at the time).
The author describes SF in the late 1800s beautifully and develops Emilia as a strong protagonist, with determination and grace. Emilia gets a job with the SF Examiner and is assigned to cover human interest stories from the Chilean civil war. Her mentor, Eric, covers the nitty gritty of the war from the rebels side, but advises her on her assignments as well.
She meets her biological father, and some of his family although she is not readily accepted.
The descriptions of the war and violence are gritty ,and bring death and suffering up close. However, the historical setting is rich and the character development is fascinating.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and am leaving my opinions voluntarily.

Great book about a strong women. Love her journey. This book would be great for your next book club read.

The history, the humanity, the brilliance we have come to expect from Isabel Allende. No matter what century or continent she takes us to, we know these people, these troubled times, and these feelings. A very worthwhile read.

I received an advance review copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

My Name is Emilia del Valle" by Isabel Allende shines brightly in its compelling portrayal of a formidable woman navigating a life shaped by both personal passions and the currents of history. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in the creation of Emilia herself. She leaps off the page as a character of immense depth and resilience, her intelligence and unwavering spirit captivating the reader from the very beginning. Allende imbues her with a rich inner life, making her triumphs and heartaches feel deeply personal and impactful.

Furthermore, Allende's masterful storytelling is on full display. She seamlessly weaves together Emilia's individual journey with the broader socio-political landscape, likely of Chile. This historical backdrop isn't just a setting; it actively shapes Emilia's experiences and choices, adding layers of meaning and context to her story. The narrative unfolds with Allende's signature lyrical prose, painting vivid pictures and evoking a strong sense of place and time.

Another significant strength is the intricate portrayal of family and relationships. Allende excels at depicting the complexities of human connections – the bonds of love, the weight of secrets, and the enduring power of familial ties in the face of adversity. The supporting characters are richly drawn, each contributing to Emilia's story and adding depth to the overall narrative.

In essence, "My Name is Emilia del Valle" is a testament to Allende's skill in crafting compelling characters within a rich historical tapestry. Its strengths lie in its unforgettable protagonist, its evocative storytelling, and its profound exploration of the enduring power of the human spirit amidst personal and societal upheaval. Readers seeking a captivating historical fiction with a strong female lead and Allende's signature blend of passion and resilience will find much to admire in this novel.

Isabel Allende’s My Name is Emilia De Valle is a beautifully crafted narrative that explores the depths of love, identity, and resilience against a backdrop of political upheaval. With her signature lyrical prose and nuanced characters, Allende invites readers into the life of Emilia De Valle, a woman whose journey is as inspiring as it is heartfelt. The story masterfully intertwines personal struggles with larger societal issues, painting a vivid picture of a woman navigating love, loss, and courage in challenging times. Emilia’s character is richly developed—her vulnerabilities, strengths, and unwavering hope make her incredibly relatable and compelling. The emotional depth of her experiences resonates long after the final page, prompting reflection on the resilience of the human spirit. Allende’s storytelling is both poetic and precise, capturing the nuances of her characters’ inner lives while immersing readers in evocative settings that span from vibrant city streets to quiet moments of introspection. The themes of political unrest and personal sovereignty are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering a layered reading experience that encourages empathy and understanding. While the pacing is deliberate at times, the depth and richness of the characters and themes more than compensate. Some readers might find certain plot points predictable, but the emotional richness and lyrical language elevate the overall experience. In summary, My Name is Emilia De Valle is a profound and engaging novel that highlights the resilience of women and the enduring power of hope. It’s a worthy addition to Allende’s oeuvre and recommended for those who appreciate stories rooted in real human strength, cultural depth, and poetic storytelling.

An Epic journey of a young woman finds herself and her roots during the Chillean revolution. Emilia del Valle is the product of a seductive encounter between her mother Molly Walsh, a devout Irish woman pursuing the religious life, and a wealthy Chilean aristocrat named Gonzalo Andres del Valle, who promptly moves on. While her mother harbors deep resentment towards Mr. del Valle, Emilia is raised instead by Francisco Claro, a wonderful, supportive stepfather who encourages her passion for writing. There was an actual civil war in Chile in 1891 and many of the events and persons in the book are actual historical figures, including the Chilean President, José Manuel Emiliano Balmaceda Fernández. The war arose out of a dispute between the Chilean Congress and Balmaceda over who he could appoint to his cabinet. The army sided with the President and the navy supported the Congress. The forces supporting the Congress won and there was a massacre of the President's supporters. Emilia participates in one of the battles as a nurse, while writing articles critical of the rebels from the Congress. Emilia del Valle meets her father and begins to explore her roots as the war escalates and she begins to fall in love with Eric. As the saga continues one appreciates the storytelling gifts of Isabel Allende as well as her beautiful and poetic prose. The novel is woven together well between the story and the historical events presented which were well researched and presented. I would definitely recommend this book. With thanks to NetGalley, the author and especially to Bloomsbury Press. #MyNameIsEmiliadelValle #NetGalley

Read this one based solely on the author and the cover 😍 but for some reason I went in thinking it was a pirate story? It is very much not and actually about a female journalist covering the Chilean civil war.

If the author name on this book had been covered up, I never would have guessed it was written by Allende. The voice here is very different and more commercial than her deep literary style in the House of Spirits.

Unfortunately it takes about 50% for this one to really get going, but once you’re there you’re in it. The gruesome battle scenes reminded be of The Women by Kristin Hannah.

A sweeping family history and a search for identity; made me think about how we share world histories and the knowledge held within families. Thanks for the ARC! Look forward to reading more!

i honestly just could not get into it. it started off slow and then didn't pick up, and my attention span struggled. the cover was so beautiful, and i feel like i might've gotten a little too excited based on that.

A Name to Remember

Isabel Allende has been called a literary legend. She ranks among the most important and influential contemporary novelists from Latin America, even being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2014. Her latest work, “My Name Is Emilia del Valle,” is an historical novel running from the Mission District in San Francisco to the Chilean Civil War of 1891.

Emilia del Valle was raised in San Francisco by her stepfather, Francisco Claro (Papo), who married her mother, Molly Walsh. Molly, a former novice nun, had become pregnant after falling in love with Gonzalo Andres del Valle, a wealthy Chilean aristocrat who subsequently abandoned her. Although Molly harbored a deep-seated resentment toward Gonzalo, Emilia's affection and regard for Papo overshadowed the absence of her biological father.

In the late 19th century, Emilia aspired to be a published writer, a virtually impossible feat for women at the time. As a teenager, she conspired with Papo to publish dime novels using a male pen name. Driven by her literary ambitions, she later secured a position as a human-interest columnist for The Daily Examiner under the pseudonym Brandon J. Price. It was here she met and developed a relationship with Eric Whelan, a reporter who was assigned the more “serious” stories. When civil war was brewing in Chile, the two reporters persuaded their editor to assign them, with Eric focusing on the war and Emilia on its human impact.

Prior to leaving, Emilia assures everyone she will take all the necessary precautions for her safety. She also begrudgingly swears to Molly that she will personally deliver a letter to her biological father; a letter Molly believes is filled with all the spite and bitterness her mother has harbored for years.

Once in Chile, Emilia meets with the President and his head general, her aristocratic aunt, and finally, her father. Amidst historical events and a romance, the vivid depictions of wartime brutality and the victors' vengeful actions profoundly impact Emilia. Shaken by the violence, she doesn't succumb but instead embarks on a quest for self-discovery. The novel emphasizes the transformative power of confronting harsh realities in the search for one's true self.

Drawing on her family's displacement following the 1973 coup d'état and the assassination of her cousin, President Salvador Allende, the author's flight from Chile to Venezuela resonates with the historical context of the 1891 Chilean Civil War. This personal experience of exile mirrors the historical backdrop explored in her writing.

Allende often features strong, fearless female protagonists, and Emilia del Valle in this novel is no different. Set in 1891, Emilia boldly confronts a male-dominated society in her search for fulfillment. In this quest to find her identity she makes some decisions that may seem self-centered and insensitive to those she loves, but these uncompromising choices would be considered admirable if made by a man.

This historical novel effectively portrays a nation's evolution, featuring compelling characters, especially Emilia's mother and stepfather, alongside memorable secondary figures. The author skillfully maintains a seamless pace across different settings, creating a unified narrative. The book excels in its depiction of historical context and character development.

I need to immerse myself in the works of Isabel Allende. This was quite a baptism.

Thank you to Random House Publishing, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #MyNameIsEmiliadelValle #NetGalley.

I have read and enjoyed all the authors works. This was hard to finish as it's told to the reader not as readable as her other work.
The main character Elimie is leaving her San Francisco home to be a journalist in the war in Chile. Her calling is not a popular one for women but she follows her heart She is a courageous strong woman of a time when women are expected to be subservient. Her character is one of striving to follow her own dreams.
She is also seeking her long lost biological Father and his family. She is soon arrested in the war but manages to escape to her Father's family to heal. As the family drama comes to light she has important choices to make . The story is a deeply personal family drama.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own.

My Name Is Emilia Del Valle
By Isabel Allende

This book is not so much a novel as a character study of sorts. It is the story of a woman of mixed blood who grew up in the 1890s in San Francisco with her Irish mother and her Papo (her step-father). While her mother wanted to shelter Emilia, Papo recognized her intelligence, her curiosity, her bravery, and, above all, her wandering spirit. Emilia overcomes society's restrictions on women to become a journalist.
Together with her colleague, Eric Whelan, she journeys to Chile to cover the growing unrest which is heading the country toward civil war.

But for Emilia there is another reason for the trip: to meet the man who seduced her mother – and deserted her when she became pregnant with Emilia. Meeting her father's family - and later her dying father - is a revelation to Emilia. But as the country spirals down to civil war, Emilia is caught up in the barbaric and brutal reality of the war. She is arrested and about to be executed when Eric, who is now her lover and about to become her husband, rescues her and returns her to her Chilean family to recuperate from her war injuries, both physical and emotional. It is at this time that she discovers that her father, who has claimed her as his daughter, has left her a tract of land in a remote untamed area far to the south. Now Emilia must make a choice: to return to San Francisco with Eric to plan their wedding; or to head south on her own to answer the call of her inheritance.

This book is beautifully written. The descriptive passages bring the reader into the heart of the settings. While somewhat similar to several of her other books Allende has produced another story worth reading.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

📖 About the book:
In 1866 San Francisco, the daughter of an Irish nun and a Chilean aristocrat who abandoned her pregnant mother grows up determined to make her own path. Raised by a loving stepfather, Emilia Del Valle becomes a writer, first publishing pulp fiction in secret under a man's name. Later, as a journalist, she convinces her editor to let her cover the civil war in Chile, the country of her father and her roots. In her father's homeland, Emilia starts uncovering truths about her family while navigating a country in conflict.

💭 Thoughts:

I'd been waiting for this book since they announced the title. Del Valle is my last name too (from my mom's side). Isabel Allende has long written about the Del Valle family from Chile, who, like mine, came from Spain, and this is one of the reasons that I've always felt connected to her characters.
As a longtime Allende reader, I've read many of her novels and this one didn't disappoint. This isn't just historical fiction, it's a compelling tale of a woman discovering herself across two cultures. I loved Emilia Del Valle; she's smart, daring, and fiercely authentic in a world that demanded conformity. Her passion for storytelling, her boldness, and her determination to claim her own identity transform what could have been a simple search for family into an exploration of what it truly means to belong.
Another beautiful story from one of my favorite authors! I loved the audiobook, nartated by Coral Peña and Johnathan McClain.

Read if you like:
🌷 Strong female protagonists
🌷 Rich historical settings
🌷 Journalism/war reporting
🌷 To learn about different countries and cultures

Isabel Allende remains at the top of her game as one of the most lyrical creators of prose to ever set ink to paper. Emilia del Valle weaves love, loss, magic, and death against the backdrop of 19th century California and Chile. While the themes are familiar to readers of Allende, Emilia is a fully realized character, a woman all her own. She reminded me a bit of Eva Luna, though with a more practical bent. Recommended for fans of Isabel Allende, though I would not encourage a reader not familiar with her work to pick it up as an introduction.

Renowned Chilean American author Isabel Allende gives us another book that brings her heritage to the forefront. This book kept me riveted with every turn Emilia takes. From the outset, she’s unwilling to bend to societal norms of the 1800s, and she embarks on a career as a fiction writer and journalist. Her subsequent move to Chile to work as a war correspondent is an excellent historically grounded twist. (Recommendation sent to readers of WordSmarts.com email newsletter)