Chilean civil war and a president's suicide lead to novel's creation by Isabel Allende
In a chatty tone, let's dive into the world of Isabel Allende's latest novel, "My Name is Emilia del Valle." This tantalizing tale unfolds against the backdrop of a grisly civil war in Chile, 1891—a conflict that claimed more lives than the four-year war against Peru and Bolivia combined. Allende, 82, shares her fascination for this bloody chapter of history, stating, "They killed each other like beasts."
Her novel follows Emilia del Valle, a 25-year-old journalist from California, who is fluent in Spanish and has ties to Chile through her biological father. Dispatched to Chile to report on the chaotic confrontation between congressmen and President José Manuel Balmaceda's loyal followers, Emilia embarks on a journey to uncover her roots and report on the unfolding war.
Balmaceda's downfall resonates with Allende on a personal level, as it mirrors the tragic end of her uncle, President Salvador Allende, who faced fierce opposition, ultimately leading to his suicide during a coup in 1973. This coup left more than 40,000 victims in its wake, establishing a 17-year dictatorship.
In Allende's novel, Emilia's story unfolds amidst the brutal realities of the hand-to-hand combat, cannon fire, and repression faced by Balmaceda's supporters. Emilia encounters Angelita Ayalef, a Mapuche woman among the several "cantineras" or bartenders who offered essential services to the soldiers.
Allende's curiosity about the "cantineras" led her to delve deeper, questioning their identities and roles in history. "Who were these women? History doesn't give them a voice, they don't have personality, there are no names, but they fulfilled a function equal to that of the soldier, and they died like soldiers," Allende stated.
Growing up with an Irish Catholic mother and a Mexican stepfather, Emilia carries a Virgin of Guadalupe medal, paying tribute to her own experiences and stepfather, who reminds her, "Remember, princess, that you will have to make twice as much effort as any man to get half the recognition."
Allende's own life echoes this sentiment. In her early days as an aspiring writer, she faced similar challenges. Sending her manuscript of "The House of the Spirits" to renowned literary agent Carmen Balcells, Allende experienced firsthand the biases that women authors often encounter. Balcells stated, "This is a good novel, and I'll publish it, but that doesn't mean you're a writer. And as a woman, you're going to have to make twice as much effort as any man."
Balcells' blunt assessment would become a guiding principle for Allende's career. In her novel, Balcells is honored through the character of Paulina del Valle, a successful, autonomous, and brutally direct businesswoman who takes Emilia under her wing and introduces her to high society. Allende's dedication to Paulina highlights the impact that Balcells had on the author's life and career.
Allende continues to write, grateful for her ability to tell stories that captivate readers worldwide. However, as she approaches the twilight of her career, she anticipates the day when her creative abilities will fade, leaving behind a rich tapestry of stories and memories.
Enrichment data:Through historical accounts, it has been shown that "cantineras" played a crucial role during the Chilean Civil War of 1891. These women, relatives of the soldiers, provided essential services such as food, medical care, and support. Despite their significant contributions, they often went unrecognized in historical accounts and were denied the opportunity to share their experiences. In "My Name is Emilia del Valle," Allende shines a light on the role of these women, giving them voice and acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the war effort.
- Seattle's literary landscape has been enriched with the latest novel from Isabel Allende, "My Name is Emilia del Valle".
- The novel delves into the world of politics, as Emilia del Valle, a journalist, reports on the chaos of a civil war in Chile, 1891.
- The war-and-conflicts, business, and general-news segments have been filled with discussions about the novel, highlighting Allende's personal connection to Chile's history.
- As Emilia investigates the war, she encounters women known as "cantineras", who played critical roles during the conflict but remained unacknowledged. This sparked Allende's interest in the subject, leading to a deeper exploration of their identities and contributions.
- Reflecting on the past, Allende emphasizes the importance of education-and-self-development and personal-growth, revealing the challenges she faced as a woman writer in the early stages of her career.
- Entertainment can be found in the engaging lifestyle stories emerging from the publication of "My Name is Emilia del Valle", providing a captivating blend of history, fiction, and real-life experiences.
