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.
