Published in 2021, this has been on my TBR list for a long time. I really like Allende’s writing, but somehow skipped over this one. I am so glad I rediscovered it as it was an enlightening, inspiring read.

Part memoir, part chronicle of what it means to be a woman including the struggles universal to all cultures and others specific to some societies, I can’t say enough good things about this read. Written in her 78th year by a woman who knew she was a feminist at age 5, Allende’s reflections on aging particularly resonated with me.

Run, don’t walk to your libraries, bookstores, kindles to read this book….especially people residing in the United States; it helps understand the big mystery of our upcoming (2024) election. Some of it is tough reading, but being a woman in so many cultures is tough.

The Soul of a Woman by Isabel Allende is a must-read for women of all ages who are seeking inspiration, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggle for gender equality, as well as those who are looking for a reflective and emotional memoir that explores the complexities of femininity, identity, and the power of sisterhood.

I couldn't get through this title. It ended up not being for me, but I hope it finds a hope with other readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This author is one of the most brilliant ones in current times. I always learn so much through her experiences and writing. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc.

"The Soul of a Woman" by Isabel Allende is a compelling and empowering memoir that delves into the author's personal experiences as a woman and the larger societal challenges faced by women around the world. Allende's writing is poignant and introspective, capturing the essence of womanhood with both grace and strength. The book's positive aspect lies in its ability to inspire and ignite a sense of solidarity among women, encouraging them to embrace their worth and fight for gender equality. However, at times, the narrative may lack a more intersectional perspective, potentially limiting its resonance for readers from diverse backgrounds. Overall, "The Soul of a Woman" is a powerful testament to the resilience and spirit of women, shedding light on the ongoing struggle for gender justice.

Isabel Allende's novels have always appealed to me with her beautiful writing style. This essay/autobiography took the tone of her fiction writing and created a beautiful work about growing up, feminism, and more.

When I was teaching multicultural literature to seniors in high school, one of the author’s whose works we studied was Isabel Allende. We read some of her shorter works and excerpts, so when I saw this book that was a memoir, I just had to read it. One thing that truly resonated with me is the way she gave tribute to women in her life. We women have so many role models and other females that we look up to and to give them honor the way Allende did is something that I would love to be able to do.
Another aspect of her book that resonated with me is the love she has for her children. I guess that would echo most mothers’ sentiments but it especially helped me to connect in a way that was rather meaningful to me.
One genre that fits Allende’s book is feminism. I’ve never considered myself a true feminist, but I am closer to it than I was several or many years ago. I love “female empowerment” and “girl power” as I teach my four-year-old granddaughter. I remember a time when there was nothing even close to that, a time when I couldn’t even get my own credit card and other such things.
The Soul of a Woman will resonate with most women in my opinion and I do recommend it to others, women in particular whether you’re a feminist or not.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Books for an e-ARC of Allende’s book in exchange for my honest opinion of it.

Ahh, Isabel Allende. I loved learning about her life and the life experience she tells us that shaper her in so many ways. I felt like she shared some of her strength and power when sharing her story. I thank her for her honesty in sharing so much that was so personal.

The Soul of a Woman // by Isabel Allende

I have been looking forward to reading this for a long time. I have a different title signed by her at home but really liked the look of this one and wanted it to be the first one I read. I really enjoyed the storytelling in the style of a memoir and being able to learn so much about the history, change, and progress she has encountered in her life. I really can't wait to read her other books after this. What an introduction to this author! I do wish it would've been a little longer and also think that some of her opinions about women and what they want are a bit generalized and perhaps even a little outdated to an extent, but seeing where she came from and what she's experienced, I can't say I'm very surprised. What an awesome example she has set for other people to build on!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this book so much because I love many of Isabel Allende's books but this book just didn't do it for me and I really couldn't tell you why. Just wasn't into it.

This was a beautiful memoir about a beautiful writer. I took some time to read and savor it in pieces. It was a gift to see how this author's childhood and younger adult experiences shaped her feminism and her writing. Though I identified more with some parts and less with others (I am not a parent, for example), Allende's writing remains evocative and beautiful, and she finds a way to make you relate to every experience. 5*!

I love the Story Telling of Isabel Allende! She just captivated you with her words and pulls you into her world. I loved this book as I love any of her books.

This book was a lovely read but unfortunately too short! I loved hearing stories from the authors childhood and how they shaped the feminism of her life. She sounds like a wonderfully open minded woman and I will definitely read her other books. I just wish this one had a bit more to it; I wasn’t ready for her to be finished yet. Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

DNF - did not finish. I could not connect with the writing style/plot so I decided to not pick this one up. Thank you, NetGalley and publisher for the early copy!

Gorgeous! Inspiring! Insightful! Allende’s book written during covid quarantine dives into her life as a child and the people who influenced who she is today. So many passages I wrote down Including poems and quotes from others as well as just beautifully written sentences that only Allende can write. This is a slim stunner that is worth reading every word aloud. Lovely and powerful.

Heartfelt thanks to Ballantine Books for the copy. I’m grateful.

Isabel Allende tells a beautiful story with fantastic characters. Her voice is so clear and her words well done. This coming of age story set in the 1960's was powerful and so thought-provoking! Three journalists - herself included depicted the voice of feminism so well. Good read!

Isabel Allende has long been a guiding light for women, immigrants, and social justice activists. She is an old woman now, and her wisdom and word smithery have only grown deeper and wider. Thanks go to Net Galley and Random House Ballantine for the review copy. This book is for sale now.

There are four sections to this compact memoir, and overall, it is a memoir of Allende’s feminist philosophy and experiences. She also describes the trajectory of the feminist movement and the gains that have been made. One of Allende’s most agreeable attributes is her candor, and she discusses her relationships with the men she has married with disarming frankness and humor. Her voice is like nobody else’s.

Generally speaking, I find it annoying when an author uses space in the book they’ve sold us to advertise a product or beg for funds, nonprofit or not; however, this time I wanted to stand up and cheer! Allende’s foundation exists to support women’s reproductive choices, and that includes abortion. Out of all the years I’ve blogged, over one thousand reviews I’ve scribed, and I have never seen abortion rights advocated so forcefully. I bow in admiration.

If I could have something more from this iconic writer, it would be an overall autobiography. She has written numerous memoirs, but all of them focus fairly narrowly on one particular aspect or time period. I would love to have her whole story in her own words.

Highly recommended.

This is a quick-read memoir about Isabel Allende's feminist life. I enjoyed reading her story because she is an absolute icon, but also because she was so honest. She didn't claim to be perfect or absolutely morally right, she acknowledged the cultural pulls that could result in opposing views, and she told us how she found feminism and advocated for all women anyway. This is a book I'm sure I will revisit again and again.

While I enjoyed reading about Allende's reflections on life, aging, sexuality and femininity it really didn't rank as a page turner or a book that was profound enough that it will be burnt into my memory. There were some good lines, some great reflections and some interesting perspectives but overall it just let me feeling like it was just okay.

This is a fabulous sensual timely read. Adore Ms Allende’s views on what it means to be a woman in the long long age of partriarchy. Honest, sharp-eyed and with a sprinkle of humor, this made me think about and examine the way I carry myself in the world. I’m encouraged to take up all the space I need and all the truth telling I have inside after reading this. Recommend as essential reading for ALL the girls and women in your life. Brava Isabelle! Thanks to Netgalley for the privilege of an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.