This is another gem from Isabel Allende. Violeta's sweeping and storied life is a microcosm of the upheavals happening in her region of the world. Beautiful.

Isabel Allende has done it again! She is a masterful writer at the top of her craft. The entire book is a letter Violeta writes to her grandson explaining her life story, the choices she made, and how she got to where she is. She explains that she was born in a pandemic and will die during another pandemic. She doesn't look at her life through that lens, however. She is honest about her life, how she lived it, and how those around her lived theirs. As with other Allende titles I've read, I could not put this one down. Highly recommended.

As usual Isabel Allende does not disappoint with her story, In this case the story is of a woman’s long life told within a lengthy letter to a beloved grandchild that has been written as a legacy to this grandson. In the telling there are history lessons around events through the years of the woman’s life. There are also parallels to common experiences in many, if not most, women’s realities like joyful and sometimes ill advised passions, the blessings and sometimes sorrows of motherhood, and the struggle for economic independence.

Violeta was a girl born in a South American country during the Spanish flu pandemics in the 1920s. She lived for another 100 years to the current pandemic.
As a child she saw her upper middle class family lose everything in the Depression after her father committed suicide. They moved to a small country town where she met the man who she would marry. After a few years she left him for a dashing pilot with whom she had 2 children. Theirs was a tempestuous relationship and they separated after many years.
In the 60s when Cuba was a hotbed of illegal activities and the ruler overthrown by Castro, the pilot became involved with covert and illegal operations. Her daughter’s involvement with drugs resulted in the girl’s death soon after the birth of a grandson. Then Violeta’s own country saw the rulers overthrown by the military and a reign of terror lasted for many years. Yet Violeta survived and was able to dictate her story to her grandson, a young priest.
Although she never specifies the country where Violeta lived, this story recalls many of the historical events that have occurred throughout Latin America within the last 100 years. Allende, who was born in Chile, is able to give the reader an insight into life in that part of the world.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

NOTE: I was given an advance copy of this book by Net Galley in exchange for a review.

As a bilingual (English, Spanish) person who has read many novels written by Spanish/Hispanic/Latinx authors, I could not stop thinking the whole time I was reading that this book reminded me so much of the incredible Columbian novelist Gabriel García Márquez. At the beginning of "Violeta," there is a lot of time spent introducing all of the back story of the main character and her family, as well as the time period. This is very characteristic of Gabriel García Márquez. I encourage readers to not get discouraged by this slow build because it's imperative to the way this type of author tells their tale, and it is *SO* worth it in the end.

I know Isabel Allende has quite a loyal fan base and following, though I have not read many books by her, so I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that Allende takes the reader on with Violeta. There's so much that happens over the course of Violeta's lifetime, and you will get totally and utterly lost in the magic of her and her family. Violeta lives through the Spanish flu pandemic, but also COVID, which is an interesting twist that I was unsure of at first (seemed corny), but I thought it was well done in the end.

If you enjoy learning and reading about someone's life and their stories,—about family, friendships, memories and hardships and joy and pain and connection and so much more—you will love this enchanting historical fiction novel where Violeta tells hers.

The story of Violeta del Valle spans 100 years. Her life starts with the Spanish flu and ends with the Corona Virus pandemic. The story takes place in Chili. The book is Violeta writing a letter to her beloved grandson who is a Jesuit priest. She is the only girl in a family of five sons. Her family goes through much hardship during the Great Depression and ends up in a remote part of Chili where her life really begins. Violeta goes through WWII, military unrest, murders, separation from her husband and eventual divorce, abuse by a lover, a troubled child, an American lover and friend. This is a coming of age story and a life of trials, tribulations, joy, and love.

Having just finished with a divorce, I was personally fascinated how far women have come, even though I do believe women have more ground to cover. A woman could not get a divorce without the man's permission and all of her money was his. Thank goodness this has changed, at least in the US. Vioteta was a strong woman and made choices for herself. I am taking strength from the way she came through and protected herself at a time when that was difficult.

I did enjoy this novel by Isabel Allende. I would like to thank #NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This book was a journey worth taking, Violeta’s highs and lows were a fantastic journey to gaze upon your own life with. Your heart broke with hers, it was put back together with hers, you reflect with her. Simply wonderful.

When has Isabel Allende ever disappointed? Never. And she doesn't disappoint with Violetta, her most recent South American family (and feminist) saga. Her prose goes down easy as she moves this compelling revolutionary story along. Her characters are well defined, and she allows you to see them from various perspectives as she does with the revolution -- running the gamut from nonchalance to alarm. I raced through this book as I do every Allende book from the very first I enjoyed, The House of Spirits. Her books are those that you will always want to read again for the first time!

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.