Main / Authors

Isabel Allende - Biography

Allende was born on August 2, 1942 in Lima, Peru. Her family was politically active, and in 1945, after the putsch, they moved to Chile. Childhood was filled with political conversations and discussions of social issues.

In her youth, Isabel studied at the University of Chile, where she studied journalism. She worked for various Chilean newspapers and magazines, where she began her career in writing. Her journalistic experience greatly influenced her ability to create compelling stories.

In 1973, Isabel and her family emigrated from Chile following a military putsch that ousted President Salvador Allende, Isabel's brother. They rushed to Mexico, where Isabel began serious literary work. Her first novel, "House of Spirits" ("La casa de los espíritus"), was published in 1982 and became an instant bestseller.

The novel "House of Spirits" has become one of the key works of magical realism in Latin American literature. This style is characterized by a mixture of magical and fantastic elements with reality. Allende's book used this style to tell the story of the fates of the Trula family, similar to the author's own family. The novel was critically recognized and translated into many languages.

Isabel Allende believes that literature has the power to unite people and develop their empathy. She has always tried to write about social issues, politics and love with deep feeling and empathy for her characters. Her writing often addresses themes of female destiny and justice.

In addition to "House of Spirits," Isabel Allende wrote many other successful novels, such as "Portrait in Sepia" ("Retrato en sepia"), "Mountain of Gold" ("La Isla Bajo el Mar"), and "Long Years" ("Los años con Laura Díaz"). Her books have gained recognition both in Latin America and beyond.