Isabel Allende

Biography

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The Background of Allende

Isabel Allende’s background is the one of the most important influences on her writing. Therefore it is imperative to understand the complexity of her life thus far. She has experienced the extremities of emotion by growing up in a developing country as well as her travels abroad. Many of Isabel Allende’s novels, although fiction, are based on her personal experiences with her family. She also includes details, images, and scenes from the various cultures which she has been witness too. Of course, her biography would not be complete because Allende still thrives in Southern California and continues to expand her already impressive and extensive writing portfolio. Isabel Allende has also accomplished many other things in her life including starting her own charity foundation for young women.

First are the facts about Allende’s life. Isabel Allende was born in August 2, 1942 in Lima, Peru However she was raised in mainly in Chile and her citizenship is Chilean. Her step-father was a diplomat and the family traveled with him to Bolivia, throughout Europe, and the Middle East. These experiences in different cultures as well as the emotional journey of Allende have influenced her writing style. She worked as a journalist in Chile until a 1973 military coup. Allende fled her home, and began a new life in Venezuela with her husband, son, and daughter, Paula. Allende taught literature at the University of Virginia, Montclair College, and the University of California.

Many of the characters in Allende’s novels are loosely based on her family members. When Allende was removed from her family she began writing in order to preserve her memory of them. One family member who had a significant impact on her life was her grandfather who at the time was very close to death. Her famous novel The House of the Spirits began as a letter in which Allende reassured him that he would never truly fade away because of her memories with him. The letter evolved and included a variety of Allende’s experiences in war-torn Chile.

Allende’s daughter Paula died at an early age and left Allende devastated. Her death motivated Allende to write the novel Paula, her only nonfiction novel. Not only did this novel help Allende cope with the death of her daughter, but it helped Allende realize her higher purpose in life. Allende began a charity organization simply and aptly named “The Foundation” in memory of her daughter. The Foundation gives aid in many forms to women who have faced intense hardships. Through the donations of individuals and the profit from Allende’s novels The Foundation gives educational, emotional, and physical aid to women in third world countries who would otherwise have no future.   

            Allende writes under the literary movement of magical realism. Some say that Allende is the front-runner for this movement because of her importance as a woman and of Hispanic heritage. Allende continues to write in her home in Southern California. She has a long list of accomplishments, honors, and awards from all over the world. Recently her novel Daughter of Fortune was featured in Oprah’s book club. This biography is far from complete because Allende will never loose her spirit for writing. 

 

Birthplace of Allende
lima-peru-map.jpg
While Peru plays an important role in her life , one cannot tie her to one location.

Allende currently resides in California and continues to write. She is by far the most famous and important Hispanic woman writer in modern times.