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The Soul of a Woman
From the
New York Times
bestselling author of
A Long Petal of the Sea
comes a passionate and inspiring meditation on what it means to be a woman.
"When I say that I was a feminist in kindergarten, I am not exaggerating," begins Isabel Allende. As a child, she watched her mother, abandoned by her husband, provide for her three small children without "resources or voice." Isabel became a fierce and defiant little girl, determined to fight for the life her mother couldn't have.
As a young woman coming of age in the late 1960s, she rode the first wave of feminism. Among a tribe of like-minded female journalists, she for the first time felt comfortable in her own skin, as they wrote "with a knife between their teeth" about women's issues. She has seen what has been accomplished by the movement in the course of her lifetime. And over the course of three passionate marriages, she has learned how to grow as a woman while having a partner, when to step away, and the rewards of embracing one's sexuality.
So what do women want? To be safe, to be valued, to live in peace, to have their own resources, to be connected, to have control over their bodies and lives, and above all, to be loved. On all these fronts, there is much work to be done, and this book, Allende hopes, will "light the torch of our daughters and granddaughters with mine. They will have to live for us, as we lived for our mothers, and carry on with the work still left to be finished."
"When I say that I was a feminist in kindergarten, I am not exaggerating," begins Isabel Allende. As a child, she watched her mother, abandoned by her husband, provide for her three small children without "resources or voice." Isabel became a fierce and defiant little girl, determined to fight for the life her mother couldn't have.
As a young woman coming of age in the late 1960s, she rode the first wave of feminism. Among a tribe of like-minded female journalists, she for the first time felt comfortable in her own skin, as they wrote "with a knife between their teeth" about women's issues. She has seen what has been accomplished by the movement in the course of her lifetime. And over the course of three passionate marriages, she has learned how to grow as a woman while having a partner, when to step away, and the rewards of embracing one's sexuality.
So what do women want? To be safe, to be valued, to live in peace, to have their own resources, to be connected, to have control over their bodies and lives, and above all, to be loved. On all these fronts, there is much work to be done, and this book, Allende hopes, will "light the torch of our daughters and granddaughters with mine. They will have to live for us, as we lived for our mothers, and carry on with the work still left to be finished."
174 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2020
About the author
Isabel Allende
184 books40k followersIsabel Allende Llona is a Chilean-American novelist. Allende, who writes in the "magic realism" tradition, is considered one of the first successful women novelists in Latin America. She has written novels based in part on her own experiences, often focusing on the experiences of women, weaving myth and realism together. She has lectured and done extensive book tours and has taught literature at several US colleges. She currently resides in California with her husband. Allende adopted U.S. citizenship in 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,227 reviews
February 10, 2021
I’ve read quite a few of Isabel Allende’s novels and while I haven’t loved them all equally, I’m a big fan, so it was impossible to pass this up after reading Diane S’s and Elyse’s reviews. Rather than a straight narrative memoir, it was as if she was speaking about what crossed her mind, moving back and forth between different times in her life. It’s a wonderful self reflection, a tribute to some women in her life, a focus on her feminist views and with all of this, she eloquently imparts the wisdom of her years . It’s a little about her early life, her mother’s experience and her own when her father left. From an early age, this seemed to shape her views on the role of women, her fervor for feminism, passion for justice and equality . It’s a little about her writing and what it was like being a woman writer in the male dominated literary world . Allende writes about her love of her children, her love life describing her three marriages and spends a good bit of time reflecting on aging, discussing violence against women around the world and the work of her foundation to help women. This book was a joy to read and I highly recommend it, especially to the young women of the world who will gain much from the passion and intelligence of Isabel Allende.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley.
November 6, 2020
“The Soul of A Woman”....did many of the same things to me as
....”Becoming” by Michelle Obama...
And “
....”Paula”, ( non-fiction by Isabelle Allende)...
And
....”The Sum of our Days”: ( non-fiction by Isabel Allende)...
I melted with pleasure!!!
“The Soul of a Woman”.... [a tribute to feminism]....is intimate, pulsing with depth, breadth, life, and love.....even great moments of humor.
It’s filled luminous stories, and wisdom. Isabel’s writing is PASSIONATE!
“The Soul of A Woman” feels like LOVE MESSAGE to fans like me.
I’m swirling with joyful intoxication...and appreciation. This book was just what I needed.
If there is an audiobook with Isabel reading...I’ll purchase it —listen to her words bath me while hiking on the trail.
A few things I was already familiar with from other books...which added to my enjoyment.
I absolutely love Allende’s fiction books...not a single one I’ve not enjoyed....but her non-fiction books ( all three of them)... are something very special to me.
Inside this slim non fiction gem...Isabel covers a lot of ground:
early childhood and adolescent years, family, ( mother, father, stepfather, motherhood, marriage ( I love reading about her marriage to Roger), friends, mentors, her ‘Paula Magazine, business relationships, taboos, authors who inspired her, thoughts about Allende’s past books, sensuality, divorces, loss, death, weddings, men, women, children, revolutionary days, societies, driving, exercise, food, letter writing with her mother, personal values, grandchildren, husbands, the pleasure of home with her husband Roger, reading, writing, TV, her dog, her creative growth, discipline, goofing off a little, aging, social issues, (rape, violence, victims, cruelty, covid, freedoms, etc.),....and MORE.
A few excerpts I love and relate with ....( I love the entire book)....wanting to read it again.
“There were hundreds of taboos directly related to women that we wanted to challenge—
sex, money, discriminatory laws, drugs, virginity, menopause, contraception, alcoholism, abortion, prostitution, jealousy... to name a few”.
“I have been training for years to be a passionate old woman, just as others train to climb mountains or play chess”.
“While my body deteriorates, my soul rejuvenates. I suppose my defects and virtues are also more visible. I spend and waste too much and I am more distracted than before, but I have also become less angry; my character has softened a little. My passion for the causes I have always embraced and for those few people I love has increased”.
“Nowadays, agism is politically incorrect, as sexism and racism have been for decades, but nobody pays any attention. There’s a monumental anti-aging Industry, as if aging were a character flaw”.
“This is the era of emboldened grandmothers, and we are the population’s fastest growing group. We are women who have lived long lives; we have nothing to lose and therefore are not easily scared; we can speak up because we don’t care to compete, to please, or to be popular; and we know de immense value our friendship and collaboration. We are anxious about the situation of humanity and the planet. Now it’s a matter of agreeing to give the world a formidable shake”.
“The most joyful moments of my life were holding my newborn babies to my breast.
And the most painful moment with holding my dying daughter in my arms”.
What do women want?
“To be safe, to be valued, to live in peace, to have their own resources, to be connected, to have control over their bodies and lives, and above all, to be loved”.
I was drawn in from the start...( great opening paragraph)....
Whether Isabel was examining the inner world of her personal experiences, recounting her own inspiring journey...or offering wisdom and insights - teachings to pass on to the younger generation of women ....
“The Soul of A Woman” is smart, enthralling, powerful, and wonderful.
My FAVORITE Chilean writer. I’m thrilled to know she is living in the Bay Area. I’m SUCH A FAN....I went to listen to Isabel speak 3 different times at book readings. Love everything about this tiny spitfire talented woman.
Huge thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Netgalley, and Isabel Allende.
....”Becoming” by Michelle Obama...
And “
....”Paula”, ( non-fiction by Isabelle Allende)...
And
....”The Sum of our Days”: ( non-fiction by Isabel Allende)...
I melted with pleasure!!!
“The Soul of a Woman”.... [a tribute to feminism]....is intimate, pulsing with depth, breadth, life, and love.....even great moments of humor.
It’s filled luminous stories, and wisdom. Isabel’s writing is PASSIONATE!
“The Soul of A Woman” feels like LOVE MESSAGE to fans like me.
I’m swirling with joyful intoxication...and appreciation. This book was just what I needed.
If there is an audiobook with Isabel reading...I’ll purchase it —listen to her words bath me while hiking on the trail.
A few things I was already familiar with from other books...which added to my enjoyment.
I absolutely love Allende’s fiction books...not a single one I’ve not enjoyed....but her non-fiction books ( all three of them)... are something very special to me.
Inside this slim non fiction gem...Isabel covers a lot of ground:
early childhood and adolescent years, family, ( mother, father, stepfather, motherhood, marriage ( I love reading about her marriage to Roger), friends, mentors, her ‘Paula Magazine, business relationships, taboos, authors who inspired her, thoughts about Allende’s past books, sensuality, divorces, loss, death, weddings, men, women, children, revolutionary days, societies, driving, exercise, food, letter writing with her mother, personal values, grandchildren, husbands, the pleasure of home with her husband Roger, reading, writing, TV, her dog, her creative growth, discipline, goofing off a little, aging, social issues, (rape, violence, victims, cruelty, covid, freedoms, etc.),....and MORE.
A few excerpts I love and relate with ....( I love the entire book)....wanting to read it again.
“There were hundreds of taboos directly related to women that we wanted to challenge—
sex, money, discriminatory laws, drugs, virginity, menopause, contraception, alcoholism, abortion, prostitution, jealousy... to name a few”.
“I have been training for years to be a passionate old woman, just as others train to climb mountains or play chess”.
“While my body deteriorates, my soul rejuvenates. I suppose my defects and virtues are also more visible. I spend and waste too much and I am more distracted than before, but I have also become less angry; my character has softened a little. My passion for the causes I have always embraced and for those few people I love has increased”.
“Nowadays, agism is politically incorrect, as sexism and racism have been for decades, but nobody pays any attention. There’s a monumental anti-aging Industry, as if aging were a character flaw”.
“This is the era of emboldened grandmothers, and we are the population’s fastest growing group. We are women who have lived long lives; we have nothing to lose and therefore are not easily scared; we can speak up because we don’t care to compete, to please, or to be popular; and we know de immense value our friendship and collaboration. We are anxious about the situation of humanity and the planet. Now it’s a matter of agreeing to give the world a formidable shake”.
“The most joyful moments of my life were holding my newborn babies to my breast.
And the most painful moment with holding my dying daughter in my arms”.
What do women want?
“To be safe, to be valued, to live in peace, to have their own resources, to be connected, to have control over their bodies and lives, and above all, to be loved”.
I was drawn in from the start...( great opening paragraph)....
Whether Isabel was examining the inner world of her personal experiences, recounting her own inspiring journey...or offering wisdom and insights - teachings to pass on to the younger generation of women ....
“The Soul of A Woman” is smart, enthralling, powerful, and wonderful.
My FAVORITE Chilean writer. I’m thrilled to know she is living in the Bay Area. I’m SUCH A FAN....I went to listen to Isabel speak 3 different times at book readings. Love everything about this tiny spitfire talented woman.
Huge thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Netgalley, and Isabel Allende.
January 21, 2021
I can't think of a better book to review on this very special day. A new administration, but also a woman, a black, Asian woman will be sworn in as Vice-President of the United States. The first woman to rise to the upper ecehlon of our government. May there be many more.
Allende's own feminism appeared early, a time when her mother was left alone to raise three young children. Seeing her mother struggle, she was determined to never in her life give total control to a man. In South america, a male oriented country, this was not a popular stance.
She goes on to give us glimpses of her life, her early and developing personality, thoughts. Her writing career, mocked as a woman writer in her home country, she eventually with the help of an intrepid publisher, became successful. Her books have sold in many countries and she has become an author of much renown. She talk about her passionate nature and love, something that she has never given up on.
She goes on to describe her views on feminism, the struggles of so many women in cultures, countries where men dominated and women have little recourse. The fight for women everywhere to claim tiny portions of their own lives. A fight that continues, must not end.
A very special book, a look into the character of an author who is a very unique and talented individual. It spoke to me on many levels. I love glimpses such as this, into the life of a individual, author I admire.
"But there's no feminism without noise, as we would ascertain later."
"Every year I have lived and every wrinkle I have tell my story."
"Objectification of women is so predominant that we don't even perceive it, and in our youth it enslaves us. Feminism has not saved us from that servitude."
ARC from Edelweiss.
Allende's own feminism appeared early, a time when her mother was left alone to raise three young children. Seeing her mother struggle, she was determined to never in her life give total control to a man. In South america, a male oriented country, this was not a popular stance.
She goes on to give us glimpses of her life, her early and developing personality, thoughts. Her writing career, mocked as a woman writer in her home country, she eventually with the help of an intrepid publisher, became successful. Her books have sold in many countries and she has become an author of much renown. She talk about her passionate nature and love, something that she has never given up on.
She goes on to describe her views on feminism, the struggles of so many women in cultures, countries where men dominated and women have little recourse. The fight for women everywhere to claim tiny portions of their own lives. A fight that continues, must not end.
A very special book, a look into the character of an author who is a very unique and talented individual. It spoke to me on many levels. I love glimpses such as this, into the life of a individual, author I admire.
"But there's no feminism without noise, as we would ascertain later."
"Every year I have lived and every wrinkle I have tell my story."
"Objectification of women is so predominant that we don't even perceive it, and in our youth it enslaves us. Feminism has not saved us from that servitude."
ARC from Edelweiss.
April 21, 2021
Hello, Goodreads. It’s been almost three months since I picked up a book due to an unexpected positive change in my life. I have always been a substitute teacher but during this school year I have worked everyday and when I say everyday I mean every school day for six to eight hours. I have worked in preschool and eighth grade and every grade in between, including a three week stint in a third grade classroom. The work has been rewarding but also exhausting, and when I walk in the door, the last thing my brain wants to do is focus on a book. The end of the year is in sight and I have a list of summer reading, fiction and nonfiction alike; needless to say I am ready to renew my favorite activity. With this busy schedule, I could not neglect Isabel Allende’s new book that I had put on hold at the library months ago. Allende has been part of my reading life since adolescence, so her books have priority. Lucky for me, this new manual is short, one that I was able to read in a few hours on a weekend morning.
Having read many of Isabel Allende’s books including three memoirs there is not much of her life that I do not know. In Soul of a Woman, she notes that she first became aware of being a feminist at age five. She noticed the gap between the roles of men and women in her native Chile and vowed not to repeat her mother’s life or to be subject to the traditional life of a woman in her country. A lot of what she says has already been stated in other memoirs: her childhood, her early working life, the unexpected success of House of the Spirits which lead to fame and enabled a long term writing career. Since that publication nearly forty years ago, Allende has given credence to Latin American women writers, becoming a leader and matriarch in the genre, spurning generations of new Latina writers, many of them I have been reading for years. Allende’s own protagonists are the type of women who she hopes become commonplace in Chile: go getters who do not take a back seat to the men in their lives. While this was not always possible, I believe Allende desired that women achieve a near equal status to men in Chile, and everywhere, having witnessed her mother’s and grandmother’s lives firsthand. Although machismo is inherent in Hispanic culture, going forward it should not have to be.
For new Allende readers, Soul of a Woman figures to be an enlightening experience. For me, it was like a visit with an old friend. Having experienced her words many times, this short volume felt like sitting down with a special aunt for a cup of tea. We may not spend much time together but the time we do have is to be cherished. This manual feels like a talk that Allende was unable to give over the past year or perhaps a graduation speech at a progressive school of thought. Despite having few stories that I did not already know, Allende’s words are well received by me. As she approaches eighty years, she vows to continue writing as her life nears the century mark. With her family’s genetic propensity toward longevity I hope this is the case. Isabel Allende is a special person and she never seems to run out of stories to tell. As long as she writes, I will read it, no matter how busy my life may be.
🌟 4 stars 🌟
Having read many of Isabel Allende’s books including three memoirs there is not much of her life that I do not know. In Soul of a Woman, she notes that she first became aware of being a feminist at age five. She noticed the gap between the roles of men and women in her native Chile and vowed not to repeat her mother’s life or to be subject to the traditional life of a woman in her country. A lot of what she says has already been stated in other memoirs: her childhood, her early working life, the unexpected success of House of the Spirits which lead to fame and enabled a long term writing career. Since that publication nearly forty years ago, Allende has given credence to Latin American women writers, becoming a leader and matriarch in the genre, spurning generations of new Latina writers, many of them I have been reading for years. Allende’s own protagonists are the type of women who she hopes become commonplace in Chile: go getters who do not take a back seat to the men in their lives. While this was not always possible, I believe Allende desired that women achieve a near equal status to men in Chile, and everywhere, having witnessed her mother’s and grandmother’s lives firsthand. Although machismo is inherent in Hispanic culture, going forward it should not have to be.
For new Allende readers, Soul of a Woman figures to be an enlightening experience. For me, it was like a visit with an old friend. Having experienced her words many times, this short volume felt like sitting down with a special aunt for a cup of tea. We may not spend much time together but the time we do have is to be cherished. This manual feels like a talk that Allende was unable to give over the past year or perhaps a graduation speech at a progressive school of thought. Despite having few stories that I did not already know, Allende’s words are well received by me. As she approaches eighty years, she vows to continue writing as her life nears the century mark. With her family’s genetic propensity toward longevity I hope this is the case. Isabel Allende is a special person and she never seems to run out of stories to tell. As long as she writes, I will read it, no matter how busy my life may be.
🌟 4 stars 🌟
July 26, 2022
"The Soul of a Woman" by Isabel Allende is a powerful read/listen!
"Feminism, like the ocean is fluid, powerful, deep, and encompasses the infinite complexity of life; it moves in waves, currents, tides, and sometimes in storms. Like the ocean, feminism never stays quiet." ~ Isabel Allende, The Soul of a Woman
I didn't read this specifically to hear the story of Isabel Allende's life, but rather to hear her reflections of her life lessons. She has strong opinions, voices them freely and it packs a punch in this short audiobook!
Being born into a culture that caters to men and where woman have no voice, Isabel witnesses this unfairness firsthand. She watches as her mother struggles with three young children after her husband abandons them, only to become dependent on other men. This becomes the driving force behind Isabel's determination to fight for the kind of life her mother never had and it branches out to her strong beliefs in feminism.
As a young female journalist in the 1960's when feminism brought the strength of woman together, she felt comfortable in her own skin fighting for woman's issues and confirming how rising together can push boundaries towards change.
With frankness she speaks of each of her marriages, briefly on the loss of a child, her ambitions to succeed as a female author, the value of her close friendships, her views on violence against woman, sexuality and gender equality. Feminism, of course, is always at the forefront!
I am fascinated with Isabel's perspective and this book is a reflection of her rebellious spirit and wisdom that comes from the experiences of her long life. Through the pages she has a powerful and passionate voice. However, towards the end, there is a 'settling-in' to her words. A lovely sound of contentment as she speaks of her life as it exists now.
I do plan to buy a physical copy of this well-written memoir so I can refer to it when I want to remember and revisit with accuracy the 'life journey' she took me on in less than four hours. And, even though I don't agree with all of her view-points, I highly recommend this memoir as a thought provoking read/listen!
"Feminism, like the ocean is fluid, powerful, deep, and encompasses the infinite complexity of life; it moves in waves, currents, tides, and sometimes in storms. Like the ocean, feminism never stays quiet." ~ Isabel Allende, The Soul of a Woman
I didn't read this specifically to hear the story of Isabel Allende's life, but rather to hear her reflections of her life lessons. She has strong opinions, voices them freely and it packs a punch in this short audiobook!
Being born into a culture that caters to men and where woman have no voice, Isabel witnesses this unfairness firsthand. She watches as her mother struggles with three young children after her husband abandons them, only to become dependent on other men. This becomes the driving force behind Isabel's determination to fight for the kind of life her mother never had and it branches out to her strong beliefs in feminism.
As a young female journalist in the 1960's when feminism brought the strength of woman together, she felt comfortable in her own skin fighting for woman's issues and confirming how rising together can push boundaries towards change.
With frankness she speaks of each of her marriages, briefly on the loss of a child, her ambitions to succeed as a female author, the value of her close friendships, her views on violence against woman, sexuality and gender equality. Feminism, of course, is always at the forefront!
I am fascinated with Isabel's perspective and this book is a reflection of her rebellious spirit and wisdom that comes from the experiences of her long life. Through the pages she has a powerful and passionate voice. However, towards the end, there is a 'settling-in' to her words. A lovely sound of contentment as she speaks of her life as it exists now.
I do plan to buy a physical copy of this well-written memoir so I can refer to it when I want to remember and revisit with accuracy the 'life journey' she took me on in less than four hours. And, even though I don't agree with all of her view-points, I highly recommend this memoir as a thought provoking read/listen!
March 3, 2021
Wow! A wonderful memoir by this author
I’ve only read one of her books prior to this.. The Japanese Lover... and I really enjoyed it, I do need to read more of her.
This memoir, Allende says, “It’s a reflection of my feminist storyline through my own personal history.”
As a young child when her father left the family, her mother had nothing, abandoned with a newborn and two toddlers .. she had no money or resources, and they had to move into the grandfathers house, where men made all the rules.. she was angered by her mom’s vulnerability.
This all fueled her relationship with feminism.
Allende is quite a force, 78 yrs old with an amazing attitude about life and she has worked hard to make things better for women.
Read this! Her story is amazing!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the ARC!
I’ve only read one of her books prior to this.. The Japanese Lover... and I really enjoyed it, I do need to read more of her.
This memoir, Allende says, “It’s a reflection of my feminist storyline through my own personal history.”
As a young child when her father left the family, her mother had nothing, abandoned with a newborn and two toddlers .. she had no money or resources, and they had to move into the grandfathers house, where men made all the rules.. she was angered by her mom’s vulnerability.
This all fueled her relationship with feminism.
Allende is quite a force, 78 yrs old with an amazing attitude about life and she has worked hard to make things better for women.
Read this! Her story is amazing!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the ARC!
September 20, 2021
"She has the Spirit of the Sun, the Moods of the Moon, and the Will of the Wind." (Unknown)
To define Womanhood is like taking on the task of counting each and every grain of sand along the shore. Each has its own individual shape, lustre, hue of color, glint of light. But when together and unified, the composite is a Heavenly one.
Isabel Allende is a favorite author of countless numbers of us. We wait with vigilance for her next offering. The Soul of a Woman leans from her usual fare to more of an outright memoir. It touches on the depth of womanhood and the breadth of feminism in today's world.
Isabel Allende has led quite the life. Born in Peru, she later resided in Chile, Argentina, and even Lebanon. Her outward personality was apparent in her kindergarten days. We smile as she reflects upon being expelled from school at the tender age of six because of insubordination. She verbally rebelled at the discipline that surrounded her from the threatening figures of the nuns at school. Home schooling was the next option.
Allende takes us back in time to life with her mother and with her grandparents. Her mother, Panchita, was born in an era that catered to men and kept women in the shadows. Allende's father left when she and her siblings were very young leaving Panchita with few options. Living with her grandparents introduced her to a world of discipline once again. Lack of a father sewed the seeds of rebelliousness which would follow her throughout her life.
The Soul of a Woman causes us to reflect on those individuals who impacted us in regard to our own view of womanhood. Were we born in an era, like Panchita, where masculinity was defined in terms of power, violence, conquest, and territorial gains in life? Were we raised to believe that women were only the child bearers and "home makers"? Or did someone of strength open the door forcefully to let the light of progress and the right of being shine across the way?
Fictional female characters that boast bravado in storylines from the Middle Ages is one thing. Real flesh and blood, fire-breathing females in real life is another. And that compels us to look over our shoulders in gratitude for those who came before us and the realization to take on a willingness to forge ahead for today's little girls who will become tomorrow's stoic women. What part will we play?
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Random House (Ballantine Books) and to the highly talented Isabel Allende for the opportunity.
To define Womanhood is like taking on the task of counting each and every grain of sand along the shore. Each has its own individual shape, lustre, hue of color, glint of light. But when together and unified, the composite is a Heavenly one.
Isabel Allende is a favorite author of countless numbers of us. We wait with vigilance for her next offering. The Soul of a Woman leans from her usual fare to more of an outright memoir. It touches on the depth of womanhood and the breadth of feminism in today's world.
Isabel Allende has led quite the life. Born in Peru, she later resided in Chile, Argentina, and even Lebanon. Her outward personality was apparent in her kindergarten days. We smile as she reflects upon being expelled from school at the tender age of six because of insubordination. She verbally rebelled at the discipline that surrounded her from the threatening figures of the nuns at school. Home schooling was the next option.
Allende takes us back in time to life with her mother and with her grandparents. Her mother, Panchita, was born in an era that catered to men and kept women in the shadows. Allende's father left when she and her siblings were very young leaving Panchita with few options. Living with her grandparents introduced her to a world of discipline once again. Lack of a father sewed the seeds of rebelliousness which would follow her throughout her life.
The Soul of a Woman causes us to reflect on those individuals who impacted us in regard to our own view of womanhood. Were we born in an era, like Panchita, where masculinity was defined in terms of power, violence, conquest, and territorial gains in life? Were we raised to believe that women were only the child bearers and "home makers"? Or did someone of strength open the door forcefully to let the light of progress and the right of being shine across the way?
Fictional female characters that boast bravado in storylines from the Middle Ages is one thing. Real flesh and blood, fire-breathing females in real life is another. And that compels us to look over our shoulders in gratitude for those who came before us and the realization to take on a willingness to forge ahead for today's little girls who will become tomorrow's stoic women. What part will we play?
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Random House (Ballantine Books) and to the highly talented Isabel Allende for the opportunity.
March 2, 2021
Allende, born in 1942, begins this memoir by saying ’When I say that I was a feminist in kindergarten, even before the concept was known in my family, I am not exaggerating.’ It’s very rare that a book grabs my attention from the first sentence on, but Allende did just that. As Dorothy says to Jerry Maguire, “You had me at hello.”
Being labelled a feminist has had different connotations through the ages, and different labels have been applied as years have passed, but it’s safe to say that none of us were around during the abolitionist movement that ended up allowing women the right to vote in America - 27 years after New Zealand, 18 years after Australia, 14 years after Finland and and 12 years after the UK.
In the U.S., feminists like Gloria Steinem began to be seen and heard from, as well as seen on television in the 1970’s after NOW, the National Organization for Women, was formed, and the Equal Rights Amendment, originally introduced in 1923 was finally passed in 1972. For many, at the time, feminism was considered not only unnecessary because women were, supposedly, elevated to some sort of pedestal where they were considered to have an advantaged station in life.
Embracing all of the positives of being a woman, Allende shares her life story while sharing her beliefs on what it means to be a feminist in a variety of ways, incorporating some of the women she’s met and felt deeply inspired by, the love and assistance they’ve offered to others. The grace and reverence that must be given to who and what we are, as we are, always learning more. She also shares some of the ways that being a woman of any and all ages has brought her not only wisdom through her years, but has shaped her views on life, as well as her writing - especially in her early writing years when the majority of writers were men.
There is also love - love of the men she’s shared her life with, her children, the love she’s found in friendships through her life. Along with her many life experiences over the years, she shares her grief over loss. And yet, a woman who has loved her life, is loving her life as her journey hopefully still has years to come, she shares her frustrations - but also the joys - of aging, and what she’s learned along the way. It all feels like a personal conversation, a sharing of her soul.
'Every year I have lived and every wrinkle I have tell my story.'
And what an impressive, lovely, positively hopeful and inspiring story. A joy to read.
Published: 02 Mar 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing - Ballantine / Ballantine Books
June 8, 2022
4.5
Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.
-Margaret Atwood.
Growing up in a patriarchal country, where women are considered second-rate items rather than human beings, Isabel Allende's book resonates with me to the fullest.
I come from a country where they hang women for killing their rapists in self defense.
Her name was Reyhaneh Jabbari. I will never forget the day i heard the verdict for her execution. I will never forget her face, her name and many other women like her.
Women in the developed countries fight for their rights, while women in poor, third world countries fight for their lives and often lose; countries where, if a woman dares reject her forced suitor or father or brother, they are entitled to kill her, or worse, pour acid on her face and disfigure her for life.
Where women should cover themselves from head to foot, so the weak men wouldn't be tempted. Where you are called a whore if you put a little make up on your face; where your worth is measured by the covering on your head, by your child-bearing ability, by your self-denial, docility and becoming resigned to being owned by someone else.
Feminism is not what we have between our legs but what we have between our ears. It’s a philosophical posture and an uprising against male authority…It’s a commitment to justice and a struggle for the emancipation of women…
This is a memoir on feminism. Allende doesn't preach, she doesn't lecture; she merely relates stories about people she knows. She invites us to join the fight, because not everything can be handled elegantly and without noise. Enough of partial solutions!
If for any reason you don’t like the word feminist, look for another word. The name is not important as long as the work gets done for yourself and for your sisters in the rest of the world who need it.
She encourages and shows us ways to improve; not merely as women, but as human beings.
The patriarchy is stony, Feminism, like the ocean, is fluid, powerful, deep, and encompasses the infinite complexity of life; it moves in waves, currents, tides and sometimes in storms. Like the ocean, feminism never stays quiet.
Therefore, the only way to fight is to shake the foundations of this patriarchal world with our fury. We should get really angry. Let them call us bitches and whores. Let them despise us for demanding to take our God-given freedom back. Enough with trying to please men; enough with becoming what they want, of becoming convenient for them.
We should question everything.
No, quiet you are not prettier
You are gorgeous when you struggle
when you fight for what is yours
when you don’t shut up
and your words bite,
when you open your mouth
and everything around catches fire.
No, quiet you are not more beautiful,
only a little more dead.
One thing I know about you
and it’s that I have never seen anybody
ever
so eager to live
shouting
—“Burn” by Miguel Gane
So before asking the million dollar question of 'What do women want'? how about we ask 'What do humans want? What do humans need?'
And the answer is:
To live in peace, to be free, to be valued, to be regarded as equals regardless of religion, gender and race, and most important of all, to be loved.
Because in the end, when all is said and done, what really matters is love.
Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.
-Margaret Atwood.
Growing up in a patriarchal country, where women are considered second-rate items rather than human beings, Isabel Allende's book resonates with me to the fullest.
I come from a country where they hang women for killing their rapists in self defense.
Her name was Reyhaneh Jabbari. I will never forget the day i heard the verdict for her execution. I will never forget her face, her name and many other women like her.
Women in the developed countries fight for their rights, while women in poor, third world countries fight for their lives and often lose; countries where, if a woman dares reject her forced suitor or father or brother, they are entitled to kill her, or worse, pour acid on her face and disfigure her for life.
Where women should cover themselves from head to foot, so the weak men wouldn't be tempted. Where you are called a whore if you put a little make up on your face; where your worth is measured by the covering on your head, by your child-bearing ability, by your self-denial, docility and becoming resigned to being owned by someone else.
Feminism is not what we have between our legs but what we have between our ears. It’s a philosophical posture and an uprising against male authority…It’s a commitment to justice and a struggle for the emancipation of women…
This is a memoir on feminism. Allende doesn't preach, she doesn't lecture; she merely relates stories about people she knows. She invites us to join the fight, because not everything can be handled elegantly and without noise. Enough of partial solutions!
If for any reason you don’t like the word feminist, look for another word. The name is not important as long as the work gets done for yourself and for your sisters in the rest of the world who need it.
She encourages and shows us ways to improve; not merely as women, but as human beings.
The patriarchy is stony, Feminism, like the ocean, is fluid, powerful, deep, and encompasses the infinite complexity of life; it moves in waves, currents, tides and sometimes in storms. Like the ocean, feminism never stays quiet.
Therefore, the only way to fight is to shake the foundations of this patriarchal world with our fury. We should get really angry. Let them call us bitches and whores. Let them despise us for demanding to take our God-given freedom back. Enough with trying to please men; enough with becoming what they want, of becoming convenient for them.
We should question everything.
No, quiet you are not prettier
You are gorgeous when you struggle
when you fight for what is yours
when you don’t shut up
and your words bite,
when you open your mouth
and everything around catches fire.
No, quiet you are not more beautiful,
only a little more dead.
One thing I know about you
and it’s that I have never seen anybody
ever
so eager to live
shouting
—“Burn” by Miguel Gane
So before asking the million dollar question of 'What do women want'? how about we ask 'What do humans want? What do humans need?'
And the answer is:
To live in peace, to be free, to be valued, to be regarded as equals regardless of religion, gender and race, and most important of all, to be loved.
Because in the end, when all is said and done, what really matters is love.
March 8, 2021
I don’t fear my vulnerability, because I no longer confuse it with weakness.
March 30, 2021
As a young woman in the late 1960s, Chilean novelist Isabel Allende rode the first wave of feminism. She has paved the way for younger generations and feminists today, and here is The Soul of a Woman, she is giving us the gift of her insight as she reflects on her feminist storyline through her personal history. She packs in a lot here in this short, bold, inspiring upbeat part memoir as she shares her life lessons and wisdom on womanhood, aging, ambition, romance, and marriage. She asks female friends if they are happy with their gender and shares what she learned. She is honest with her truths while she shares her insight and wisdom. She questions and explores what women want, why women live in fear of men, and why men fear women. She shares her passion for justice and equality while delving into violence against women.
"For centuries, it was debated whether or not women had souls," and here Isabel Allende shares a look into the souls of women and the women who helped paved her life.
Isabel Allende's definition of feminism. ."It is not what we have between our legs but what we have between our ears. It's a philosophical posture and an uprising against male authority. It's a way of understanding male relations and a way to see the world. It's a commitment to justice and a struggle for the emancipation of women, the LGTBIQA+ community, anyone oppressed by the system, including some men, and all others who want to join."
Her inspiring insight into aging stood out to me, and I loved her wisdom she shared. She lives with her arms, doors, and heart open. She addresses the changes in sexuality that are no longer subject to as many rules and classifications with gender. She gives us some history of how pronouns started and ended with young people questioning gender and refusing to be classified as male or female and rejected the use of gender-based pronouns in favor of nonbinary ones.
"Language is very important because it can determine the way we think. Words are powerful. Patriarchy benefits from classifying people: it makes it easier to exert control. We automatically accept being placed in categories based on gender, race, age, etc. But many young people are challenging these divisions."
I have gained so much from reading this book, and I loved it all, from the first page to the graceful and hopeful last page. We can take so much from Isabel Allende and use it in our own lives. She is an inspiration to all women, especially the younger generation, who are the future of this world.
I could go on and on from all the notes I wrote with the things that stood out for me but that would be the whole book. I highly recommend it.
I want to light the torches for our daughters and granddaughters with mine. They will have to live for us, as we lived for our mothers, and carry on with the work still left to be finished."
"For centuries, it was debated whether or not women had souls," and here Isabel Allende shares a look into the souls of women and the women who helped paved her life.
Isabel Allende's definition of feminism. ."It is not what we have between our legs but what we have between our ears. It's a philosophical posture and an uprising against male authority. It's a way of understanding male relations and a way to see the world. It's a commitment to justice and a struggle for the emancipation of women, the LGTBIQA+ community, anyone oppressed by the system, including some men, and all others who want to join."
Her inspiring insight into aging stood out to me, and I loved her wisdom she shared. She lives with her arms, doors, and heart open. She addresses the changes in sexuality that are no longer subject to as many rules and classifications with gender. She gives us some history of how pronouns started and ended with young people questioning gender and refusing to be classified as male or female and rejected the use of gender-based pronouns in favor of nonbinary ones.
"Language is very important because it can determine the way we think. Words are powerful. Patriarchy benefits from classifying people: it makes it easier to exert control. We automatically accept being placed in categories based on gender, race, age, etc. But many young people are challenging these divisions."
I have gained so much from reading this book, and I loved it all, from the first page to the graceful and hopeful last page. We can take so much from Isabel Allende and use it in our own lives. She is an inspiration to all women, especially the younger generation, who are the future of this world.
I could go on and on from all the notes I wrote with the things that stood out for me but that would be the whole book. I highly recommend it.
I want to light the torches for our daughters and granddaughters with mine. They will have to live for us, as we lived for our mothers, and carry on with the work still left to be finished."
May 27, 2022
Thank you, Random House, for the gifted book.
About the book: “From the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea comes a passionate and inspiring meditation on what it means to be a woman.
"When I say that I was a feminist in kindergarten, I am not exaggerating," begins Isabel Allende. As a child, she watched her mother, abandoned by her husband, provide for her three small children without "resources or voice." Isabel became a fierce and defiant little girl, determined to fight for the life her mother couldn't have.”
I read my first Isabel Allende book, her debut, La Casa de los Espiritus, in Spanish in college. It was the first full length novel I read in Spanish. Needless to say, I’ve been a fan ever since. La Casa and Allende would shape my literary reading life for years to come. In anticipation of reading her newest, Violeta, soon (I cannot wait), I picked up this memoir of essays and passages published just last year.
It’s hard to know what to say other than read this book. Allende, as ever, is full of wisdom and has dedicated her life to feminism and progressing the female narrative through her writing and her foundation. So, yes, read this book. Treasure, savor, cherish her stories.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “From the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea comes a passionate and inspiring meditation on what it means to be a woman.
"When I say that I was a feminist in kindergarten, I am not exaggerating," begins Isabel Allende. As a child, she watched her mother, abandoned by her husband, provide for her three small children without "resources or voice." Isabel became a fierce and defiant little girl, determined to fight for the life her mother couldn't have.”
I read my first Isabel Allende book, her debut, La Casa de los Espiritus, in Spanish in college. It was the first full length novel I read in Spanish. Needless to say, I’ve been a fan ever since. La Casa and Allende would shape my literary reading life for years to come. In anticipation of reading her newest, Violeta, soon (I cannot wait), I picked up this memoir of essays and passages published just last year.
It’s hard to know what to say other than read this book. Allende, as ever, is full of wisdom and has dedicated her life to feminism and progressing the female narrative through her writing and her foundation. So, yes, read this book. Treasure, savor, cherish her stories.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 19, 2020
Isabel Allende is the older woman that every younger woman should meet: outspoken, experienced, and wise. She tells of her life, her choices (both good and bad), her sorrows, and her joys. She speaks of women who are abused and women victimized by a patriarchal society—so much food for thought in such a slim volume. Her words really resonated with me, and I’m grateful to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to review this ARC.
March 24, 2024
Não preciso de inventar as protagonistas dos meus livros, mulheres fortes e decididas, pois estou rodeada delas.
Só li o primeiro livro de Isabel Allende, A casa dos espíritos, e aí já se notava que as personagens femininas eram corajosas e faziam o que queriam.
Depois deste livro, quero conhecer as outras mulheres dos livros da Isabelita.
Esta é uma fase muito feliz para mim. A felicidade não é exuberante nem buliçosa, como a alegria ou o prazer; é silenciosa, tranquila, suave, é um estado interno de bem-estar que começa por amar-me a mim mesma. Sou livre. Não tenho de provar nada a ninguém nem de me ocupar de filhos e netos, são todos adultos autossuficientes. Fiz o que me competia, como diria o meu avô, e fi-lo muito acima do esperado.
Seria bom que todas as mulheres do mundo pudessem sentir-se assim.
Só li o primeiro livro de Isabel Allende, A casa dos espíritos, e aí já se notava que as personagens femininas eram corajosas e faziam o que queriam.
Depois deste livro, quero conhecer as outras mulheres dos livros da Isabelita.
Esta é uma fase muito feliz para mim. A felicidade não é exuberante nem buliçosa, como a alegria ou o prazer; é silenciosa, tranquila, suave, é um estado interno de bem-estar que começa por amar-me a mim mesma. Sou livre. Não tenho de provar nada a ninguém nem de me ocupar de filhos e netos, são todos adultos autossuficientes. Fiz o que me competia, como diria o meu avô, e fi-lo muito acima do esperado.
Seria bom que todas as mulheres do mundo pudessem sentir-se assim.
July 26, 2023
4,5*
Embora reconheça o papel importante de Isabel Allende numa época em que toda a literatura que chegava da América Latina era marcadamente masculina, é uma autora cuja obra, actualmente, não me desperta nenhum interesse. “Mulheres da Minha Alma” foi, no entanto, o chamado livro certo na hora certa, com uma frase de abertura que não é de todo publicidade enganosa…
Não exagero quando digo que sou feminista desde o jardim-de-infância, antes de o conceito se ter disseminado no Chile.
…e que me parece poder agradar a muitos/as leitores/as pelo lado humano e feminino desta velhinha irreverente, vaidosa e calorosa, que ainda hoje sobe ao seu sótão para escrever em paz, dando espaço ao seu terceiro marido, com quem se casou aos 76 anos.
A maquilhagem é a minha melhor amiga e a roupa adequada ajuda-me a disfarçar o colapso de algumas partes que desabaram e que não consigo encontrar ali abaixo. (…) Para uma mulher convencida, como eu, envelhecer é duro. Por dentro, ainda sou sedutora, mas ninguém nota. (…) Gosto (…) da rotina de me aperaltar todas as manhãs, ainda que passe a maior parte do tempo fechada no sótão a escrever.
Nesta breve obra memorialista, Allende desmistifica realmente a velhice de uma forma cândida e divertida:
Algumas amigas mais novas sugeriram-me que procurasse online. Como havia eu de fazer isso, se nem sequer sou capaz de fazer uma encomenda na Amazon? Ninguém teria respondido ao meu anúncio: “Avó de 72 anos, imigrante latina com documentos, feminista, atarracada e sem habilidades domésticas procura companheiro asseado e com boas maneiras para ir a restaurantes e ao cinema.”
Mas também aborda com muita seriedade as questões mais prementes da terceira-idade…
A morte com dignidade é um direito humano, mas a lei e as autoridades médicas obrigam-nos frequentemente a viver para além da dignidade. Como disse Abraham Lincoln, não são os anos de vida que contam, mas sim a vida nos anos.
…e encara a vida com uma serenidade invejável.
A existência torna-se mais fácil depois de ultrapassarmos a menopausa e acabarmos de criar os filhos, desde que consigamos reduzir ao mínimo as expectativas, renunciemos ao ressentimento e relaxemos na certeza de que ninguém, exceto os mais próximos, se importa minimamente com o que fazemos ou quem somos. Basta de fazer conta, de fingir, de nos lamentarmos e flagelarmos por disparates. Temos de gostar muito de nós mesmas e dos outros, sem medir o quanto retribuem esse amor. Esta é a etapa da amabilidade.
“Mulheres da Minha Alma” emana uma energia positiva incrível, mesmo quando refere sua falecida filha Paula, em homenagem da qual criou uma fundação para ajudar mulheres e meninas em risco que é gerida pela nora, e transborda de amor quando menciona a mãe que “não conseguiu dar-se com o feminismo”, as enérgicas amigas e a sua generosa agente literária espanhola, mas também o filho e os seus cães.
Evitarei referir-me ao amor maternal, porque é intocável, e qualquer gracejo que me atreva a fazer a esse respeito sair-me-á muito caro. Uma vez, disse ao meu filho Nicolás que, em vez de trazer filhos ao mundo, arranjasse um cão, e ele nunca me perdoou. Casou aos 22 anos e teve três filhos em cinco anos. (…) Os meus netos não são nada maus, mas também gosto de cães.
Como mencionei no início, esta autora chilena mostra-se feminista até ao tutano e aqui desconstrói todas as manifestações do patriarcado.
Aos 15 anos, afastei-me da Igreja para sempre, não por falta de fé em Deus – isso veio mais tarde – mas pelo machismo inerente a toda a organização religiosa. Não posso pertencer a uma instituição que me considera uma pessoa de segunda classe e cujas autoridades, sempre homens, impõem as suas regras com a força do dogma e gozam de impunidade.
“Mulheres da Minha Alma” é um livro sobre tudo o que se prende com as mulheres e ajudou-me a compreender um pouco por que não são todas as mulheres feministas, facto que me deixa sempre perplexa.
O respeito, a submissão e o receio que nos incutem desde o berço fazem-nos tanto mal que nem sequer temos consciência do nosso poder. Esse poder é tão grande que o primeiro objetivo do patriarcado é anulá-lo por todos os meios ao seu alcance, incluindo as piores formas de violência. Estes métodos dão tão bons resultados que, com demasiada frequência, são as mulheres as grandes defensoras do patriarcado.
Embora reconheça o papel importante de Isabel Allende numa época em que toda a literatura que chegava da América Latina era marcadamente masculina, é uma autora cuja obra, actualmente, não me desperta nenhum interesse. “Mulheres da Minha Alma” foi, no entanto, o chamado livro certo na hora certa, com uma frase de abertura que não é de todo publicidade enganosa…
Não exagero quando digo que sou feminista desde o jardim-de-infância, antes de o conceito se ter disseminado no Chile.
…e que me parece poder agradar a muitos/as leitores/as pelo lado humano e feminino desta velhinha irreverente, vaidosa e calorosa, que ainda hoje sobe ao seu sótão para escrever em paz, dando espaço ao seu terceiro marido, com quem se casou aos 76 anos.
A maquilhagem é a minha melhor amiga e a roupa adequada ajuda-me a disfarçar o colapso de algumas partes que desabaram e que não consigo encontrar ali abaixo. (…) Para uma mulher convencida, como eu, envelhecer é duro. Por dentro, ainda sou sedutora, mas ninguém nota. (…) Gosto (…) da rotina de me aperaltar todas as manhãs, ainda que passe a maior parte do tempo fechada no sótão a escrever.
Nesta breve obra memorialista, Allende desmistifica realmente a velhice de uma forma cândida e divertida:
Algumas amigas mais novas sugeriram-me que procurasse online. Como havia eu de fazer isso, se nem sequer sou capaz de fazer uma encomenda na Amazon? Ninguém teria respondido ao meu anúncio: “Avó de 72 anos, imigrante latina com documentos, feminista, atarracada e sem habilidades domésticas procura companheiro asseado e com boas maneiras para ir a restaurantes e ao cinema.”
Mas também aborda com muita seriedade as questões mais prementes da terceira-idade…
A morte com dignidade é um direito humano, mas a lei e as autoridades médicas obrigam-nos frequentemente a viver para além da dignidade. Como disse Abraham Lincoln, não são os anos de vida que contam, mas sim a vida nos anos.
…e encara a vida com uma serenidade invejável.
A existência torna-se mais fácil depois de ultrapassarmos a menopausa e acabarmos de criar os filhos, desde que consigamos reduzir ao mínimo as expectativas, renunciemos ao ressentimento e relaxemos na certeza de que ninguém, exceto os mais próximos, se importa minimamente com o que fazemos ou quem somos. Basta de fazer conta, de fingir, de nos lamentarmos e flagelarmos por disparates. Temos de gostar muito de nós mesmas e dos outros, sem medir o quanto retribuem esse amor. Esta é a etapa da amabilidade.
“Mulheres da Minha Alma” emana uma energia positiva incrível, mesmo quando refere sua falecida filha Paula, em homenagem da qual criou uma fundação para ajudar mulheres e meninas em risco que é gerida pela nora, e transborda de amor quando menciona a mãe que “não conseguiu dar-se com o feminismo”, as enérgicas amigas e a sua generosa agente literária espanhola, mas também o filho e os seus cães.
Evitarei referir-me ao amor maternal, porque é intocável, e qualquer gracejo que me atreva a fazer a esse respeito sair-me-á muito caro. Uma vez, disse ao meu filho Nicolás que, em vez de trazer filhos ao mundo, arranjasse um cão, e ele nunca me perdoou. Casou aos 22 anos e teve três filhos em cinco anos. (…) Os meus netos não são nada maus, mas também gosto de cães.
Como mencionei no início, esta autora chilena mostra-se feminista até ao tutano e aqui desconstrói todas as manifestações do patriarcado.
Aos 15 anos, afastei-me da Igreja para sempre, não por falta de fé em Deus – isso veio mais tarde – mas pelo machismo inerente a toda a organização religiosa. Não posso pertencer a uma instituição que me considera uma pessoa de segunda classe e cujas autoridades, sempre homens, impõem as suas regras com a força do dogma e gozam de impunidade.
“Mulheres da Minha Alma” é um livro sobre tudo o que se prende com as mulheres e ajudou-me a compreender um pouco por que não são todas as mulheres feministas, facto que me deixa sempre perplexa.
O respeito, a submissão e o receio que nos incutem desde o berço fazem-nos tanto mal que nem sequer temos consciência do nosso poder. Esse poder é tão grande que o primeiro objetivo do patriarcado é anulá-lo por todos os meios ao seu alcance, incluindo as piores formas de violência. Estes métodos dão tão bons resultados que, com demasiada frequência, são as mulheres as grandes defensoras do patriarcado.
December 31, 2020
As soon as I saw that Isabel Allende had written a new book, I requested this one. She is one of my favorite writers. Her writing is always beautiful and passionate. This book was a little different in that it is not fiction. It is a reflection/meditation on women - what it means to be a woman and the hardships they have faced under a civilization ruled by patriarchy. She brings to light the plight of women, especially those in third-world countries, and the fate they suffer in life in a world where all the rules are made by men. Things are getting better for women in some countries, but there is still a long way to go. Allende discusses what feminism means to her and how being a feminist has a role in her life's decisions and choices. She says she has been a feminist since early childhood. I laughed when she talked about being expelled from Catholic school when she was six! Allende discusses some of the things she has seen in her extensive travels throughout the world, and these were interesting. Good things about women coming together in groups for a communal purpose, but also some terrible ways women are looked upon in different cultures.
In her advanced years, she has married Roger. He is her third husband and she says that she is happy. I am glad she is happy because she deserves to be. She has spent her life writing beautiful books that portray strong and courageous women. She also has established a foundation to help women - I didn't know that - and invests much of her income towards it.
Kudos to Allende for another great book! I hope she will be writing for many, many more years.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy!
In her advanced years, she has married Roger. He is her third husband and she says that she is happy. I am glad she is happy because she deserves to be. She has spent her life writing beautiful books that portray strong and courageous women. She also has established a foundation to help women - I didn't know that - and invests much of her income towards it.
Kudos to Allende for another great book! I hope she will be writing for many, many more years.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy!
December 19, 2022
I have read every single book of Isabel Allende, and I really loved most of them. I read them all in my native language, Spanish. This one was very disappointing. It sounds like some cheap Ted Talk about old fashion feminism, as if women never heard of the concept. She just states some facts about women which are easily found on the Internet, and how all men in the world are evil.
The few good stories are a repetition from her previous books about her life. It is as she wrote in the book "editors publish anything I write, without need of approval”. I am sorry Isabel, but if I want to learn about feminism I’ll read Simon de Beauvoir which wrote about much deeper concepts 71 years ago .
(Having said that many hispanic ladies like this book)
The few good stories are a repetition from her previous books about her life. It is as she wrote in the book "editors publish anything I write, without need of approval”. I am sorry Isabel, but if I want to learn about feminism I’ll read Simon de Beauvoir which wrote about much deeper concepts 71 years ago .
(Having said that many hispanic ladies like this book)
March 13, 2021
The Soul of a Woman was the latest memoir by one of my favorite writers, Isabel Allende. As I have followed her over the years and loved all of her fiction as well as some of her most honest and gut-wrenching memoirs as she describes her tribe, whatever configuration that may be at the time. I love this woman and I love how she views the world. I think that in this book I realized that what makes Ms. Allende so powerful; it is not only her beautiful voice of her past, but her present life, and most of all, her hope for the future.
It is in this context that one of my favorite passages of this book, is the opening paragraph:
In this beautiful book, Isabel Allende tells us all what it means to be a woman as she grapples the reality of her life as contrasted to that of her mother. I too, have often pondered that dilemma as I saw as a small child that I had more advantages than my mother did, while at the same time I didn't appreciate the depth of her struggle and as Isabel Allende says so eloquently, "Many of us daughters have had to live the lives our mothers could not."
And I will end in the words of Isabel Allende as she says it best:
It is in this context that one of my favorite passages of this book, is the opening paragraph:
"When I say that I was a feminist in kindergarten, even before the concept was known in my family, I am not exaggerating."
"An obstinate and defiant character was accepted in my brothers as an essential condition of masculinity, but in me it could only be pathological. Isn't it always thus? Girls are denied the right to be angry and to thrash about.
In this beautiful book, Isabel Allende tells us all what it means to be a woman as she grapples the reality of her life as contrasted to that of her mother. I too, have often pondered that dilemma as I saw as a small child that I had more advantages than my mother did, while at the same time I didn't appreciate the depth of her struggle and as Isabel Allende says so eloquently, "Many of us daughters have had to live the lives our mothers could not."
And I will end in the words of Isabel Allende as she says it best:
"The patriarchy is stony. Feminism, like the ocean is fluid, powerful, deep, and encompasses the infinite complexity of life; it moves in waves, currents, tides and sometimes in storms. Like the ocean, feminism never stays quiet."
March 23, 2021
The Soul of a Woman by Isabel Allende is a memoir which focuses on topics of Justice, Social Movements, Politics, etc. This is my first book by the author. I have always wanted to read 'A Long Petal Of Sea', but haven't got a chance to read it yet, but after reading this book I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by the author.
As a young woman coming of age in the late 1960s, she rode the first wave of feminism. Among a tribe of like-minded female journalists, she for the first time felt comfortable in her own skin, as they wrote "with a knife between their teeth" about women's issues. The book is inspiring and full of hope, as well as full of power.
The author has led quite a life living in different cities and countries. In this book she takes us back in time, mid & late 90s where she lives with her mother, Panchita, and her grandparents. I am loving author's writing style. It is flawless and very impactful.
The author has dealt with a lot of social issues about women in this book very smoothly and beautifully. I would also recommend you all to checkout the audiobook for this, as it's narrated by the author herself. Some statements written by the author in this book truly touched my soul.
As a young woman coming of age in the late 1960s, she rode the first wave of feminism. Among a tribe of like-minded female journalists, she for the first time felt comfortable in her own skin, as they wrote "with a knife between their teeth" about women's issues. The book is inspiring and full of hope, as well as full of power.
The author has led quite a life living in different cities and countries. In this book she takes us back in time, mid & late 90s where she lives with her mother, Panchita, and her grandparents. I am loving author's writing style. It is flawless and very impactful.
The author has dealt with a lot of social issues about women in this book very smoothly and beautifully. I would also recommend you all to checkout the audiobook for this, as it's narrated by the author herself. Some statements written by the author in this book truly touched my soul.
March 2, 2021
In The Soul of a Woman, the almost 80-year-old Chilean-American author invites us to accompany her on this personal and emotional journey where she reviews her connection with feminism from childhood until today. In this part memoir, part polemic, she remembers some of the essential women in her life, her mother Panchita—who she saw become dependent on men after she was abandoned by Isabel’s father with three small children when Isabel was only in kindergarten and was forced to move back in with her parents’ in Santiago, Paula—her daughter who sadly died at 29-years-old and whom she beautifully memorialises in rich prose, and the literary agent Carmen Balcells—a legend in publishing circles who helped guide Allende through the male-dominated landscape of Latin American literature and supported the release of her first published book; relevant writers such as Virginia Woolf or Margaret Atwood; to young artists who agglutinate the rebellion of their generation or, among many others, to those anonymous women who have suffered violence and who, full of dignity and courage, stand up, advance and thrive. They are the ones who inspire Isabel immensely and have accompanied her throughout her life: her women of the soul.
Finally, she also reflects on the #MeToo movement —which she supports and celebrates—, on the recent social unrest in her country of origin and, of course, on the new situation that we are experiencing globally with the pandemic. All this without losing that unmistakable passion for life and insisting that, regardless of age, there is always time for love. Isabel Allende delves into her memory and offers us an exciting book about her relationship with feminism and the true beauty of being a woman, while she claims that adult life must be lived, felt and enjoyed with full intensity. It's captivating, insightful and with a singular charm it engages through its abundance of wisdom and warmth. The memoir of a self-proclaimed romantic feminist couldn't have arrived at a more timely juncture and provides a rich and deeply personal account of the lifelong passion she has dedicated to progressing the feminist cause, including co-founding the feminist magazine Paula in 1967 and her fight for equality in sport. Allende is an inspiration who is, and always has been, a vocal opposer of patriarchal society and her many fights for the imposition of egalitarian ideals are detailed throughout the book enticingly interwoven with her history. Highly recommended.
Finally, she also reflects on the #MeToo movement —which she supports and celebrates—, on the recent social unrest in her country of origin and, of course, on the new situation that we are experiencing globally with the pandemic. All this without losing that unmistakable passion for life and insisting that, regardless of age, there is always time for love. Isabel Allende delves into her memory and offers us an exciting book about her relationship with feminism and the true beauty of being a woman, while she claims that adult life must be lived, felt and enjoyed with full intensity. It's captivating, insightful and with a singular charm it engages through its abundance of wisdom and warmth. The memoir of a self-proclaimed romantic feminist couldn't have arrived at a more timely juncture and provides a rich and deeply personal account of the lifelong passion she has dedicated to progressing the feminist cause, including co-founding the feminist magazine Paula in 1967 and her fight for equality in sport. Allende is an inspiration who is, and always has been, a vocal opposer of patriarchal society and her many fights for the imposition of egalitarian ideals are detailed throughout the book enticingly interwoven with her history. Highly recommended.
February 27, 2021
The Soul of a Woman
"We have to love ourselves a lot and love others without calculating how much we are loved in return. This is the stage of kindness."
The Soul of a Woman is part memoir, part discussion of feminism where Allende talks about love, loss, passion and sense of self.
I thought some of the most interesting aspects were when Allende spoke about her age and the way older women are viewed and behaved. She spoke about how she lacks the same concerns she did when she was younger about competing, people pleasing, looking good. How she is less afraid. How we have a generation of older women raised in an era of emerging feminism and women's rights who are passing on this legacy to their children and grandchildren.
Allende is incredibly self-assured and it gave me great comfort to see a woman so comfortable in her older age. Comfortable in her sense of self and awareness. Allende talks about how she is still learning; how her grandchildren have made her think about personal pronouns, how she has witnessed great changes in her time.
I feel like the voices of older women are so often silenced and so this was great to read in that sense.
"Age should not limit our energy or creativity or our willingness to participate in the world."
My problem with the book lay in some of Allende's comments on feminism which felt a little generic and off-hand at times particularly on the subject of the burka and how women wear it purely out of fear of men. This seemed to contrast with her more careful attitudes towards sexuality and gender pronouns and was disappointing to see. And whilst this is part memoir examing Allende's relationship with feminism. I found some of this generalisations did not hit the mark right and some of them were problematic when she spoke about wider feminism. The book as a whole also felt a little disjointed and unplanned which could be because I read an uncorrected proof.
Overall I was little disappointed with this one and whilst I loved Allende's fire and her writing style so will definitely be picking up her novels. I couldn't appreciate all she said.
Thanks to netgalley and Bloomsbury for the uncorrected proof.
"We have to love ourselves a lot and love others without calculating how much we are loved in return. This is the stage of kindness."
The Soul of a Woman is part memoir, part discussion of feminism where Allende talks about love, loss, passion and sense of self.
I thought some of the most interesting aspects were when Allende spoke about her age and the way older women are viewed and behaved. She spoke about how she lacks the same concerns she did when she was younger about competing, people pleasing, looking good. How she is less afraid. How we have a generation of older women raised in an era of emerging feminism and women's rights who are passing on this legacy to their children and grandchildren.
Allende is incredibly self-assured and it gave me great comfort to see a woman so comfortable in her older age. Comfortable in her sense of self and awareness. Allende talks about how she is still learning; how her grandchildren have made her think about personal pronouns, how she has witnessed great changes in her time.
I feel like the voices of older women are so often silenced and so this was great to read in that sense.
"Age should not limit our energy or creativity or our willingness to participate in the world."
My problem with the book lay in some of Allende's comments on feminism which felt a little generic and off-hand at times particularly on the subject of the burka and how women wear it purely out of fear of men. This seemed to contrast with her more careful attitudes towards sexuality and gender pronouns and was disappointing to see. And whilst this is part memoir examing Allende's relationship with feminism. I found some of this generalisations did not hit the mark right and some of them were problematic when she spoke about wider feminism. The book as a whole also felt a little disjointed and unplanned which could be because I read an uncorrected proof.
Overall I was little disappointed with this one and whilst I loved Allende's fire and her writing style so will definitely be picking up her novels. I couldn't appreciate all she said.
Thanks to netgalley and Bloomsbury for the uncorrected proof.
December 9, 2020
Con mucha pena no me nace darle más que tres estrellas.
Recomiendo leerlo porque Isabel nos abre un pedacito de su vida a la vez que reflexiona acerca del feminismo y de mujeres que la han acompañado a lo largo de su vida.
A mitad del libro reflexiona sobre la vejez y el tiempo.
Y finalmente pasa de puntillas sobre la situación actual.
Es un libro corto que merece la pena leer si has leído sus libros y quieres conocerla un poco más.
Recomiendo leerlo porque Isabel nos abre un pedacito de su vida a la vez que reflexiona acerca del feminismo y de mujeres que la han acompañado a lo largo de su vida.
A mitad del libro reflexiona sobre la vejez y el tiempo.
Y finalmente pasa de puntillas sobre la situación actual.
Es un libro corto que merece la pena leer si has leído sus libros y quieres conocerla un poco más.
March 8, 2021
Всяка година между Януари и Март трепетно влизам в сайта на Colibri и търся да видя новата книга на Исабел Алиенде. И тази година открих красивата корица на “На Жените с обич”.
Прекрасна сладкодумница е Алиенде и много я обичам. Въпреки че книгата не се числи към художествената литература на мен ми достави огромно удоволствие да чета размишленията и за ролята и мястото на жените в обществото. Отново да се срещна със спомени за детството и семейството и, както и да прочета истории за Чили.
Прекрасна сладкодумница е Алиенде и много я обичам. Въпреки че книгата не се числи към художествената литература на мен ми достави огромно удоволствие да чета размишленията и за ролята и мястото на жените в обществото. Отново да се срещна със спомени за детството и семейството и, както и да прочета истории за Чили.
May 26, 2021
Το καινούριο βιβλίο της Isabel Allende είναι μια πηγή δύναμης.
Ένα συγκλονιστικό ανάγνωσμα με λίγες σελίδες και μικρά κεφάλαια, που με μια πρώτη ματιά θαρρείς πώς μπορείς να το τελειώσεις πολύ γρήγορα. Αλλά όχι…
Οι σελίδες του είναι γεμάτες μαθήματα και μηνύματα. Άκρως συναισθηματικό, με εμπειρίες ζωής που μπορούν να σε κάνουν καλύτερο άνθρωπο. Με αυτό το βιβλίο βγαίνεις από την φούσκα σου και μαθαίνεις για τις γυναίκες όλου του κόσμου και όλων των ηλικιών. Μαθαίνεις πώς εσύ έχεις τις ανέσεις που άλλες απλά ονειρευόντουσαν.
Είμαστε τυχερές που γεννηθήκαμε γυναίκες. Είμαστε πλάσματα εξωπραγματικά, που μπορούμε να κάνουμε τα πάντα, και να γίνουμε ότι ποθούμε. Τίποτα δεν μπορεί να σου σταθεί εμπόδιο, παρα μόνο ο ίδιος σου ο εαυτός.
Όταν λοιπόν ξεχνάς τι μπορείς να κάνεις, αυτό το βιβλίο θα σου τα υπενθυμίζ��ι.
Δεν έχω πολλά να πω και δεν χρειάζεται.
Τσάκισα πολλές σελίδες για πράγματα που ήθελα να θυμάμαι. Νιώθω σαν να τσάκισα όλο το βιβλίο, γιατί πραγματικά είχε ΤΟΣΑ πολλά να δώσει. Μικρό, αλλά θαυματουργό.
Ότι και αν γίνει, αυτό το βιβλίο ΠΡΕΠΕΙ να είναι στις βιβλιοθήκες σας. Διαβάστε το και θα με θυμηθείτε. Αν το έχετε ήδη κάνει, σχολιάστε μου παρακάτω τι κρατήσατε και τις σας άγγιξε περισσότερο.
Ευχαριστώ θερμά τις εκδόσεις Ψυχογιός για αυτό το συγκλονιστικό βιβλίο.
Τελική Βαθμολογία:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ένα συγκλονιστικό ανάγνωσμα με λίγες σελίδες και μικρά κεφάλαια, που με μια πρώτη ματιά θαρρείς πώς μπορείς να το τελειώσεις πολύ γρήγορα. Αλλά όχι…
Οι σελίδες του είναι γεμάτες μαθήματα και μηνύματα. Άκρως συναισθηματικό, με εμπειρίες ζωής που μπορούν να σε κάνουν καλύτερο άνθρωπο. Με αυτό το βιβλίο βγαίνεις από την φούσκα σου και μαθαίνεις για τις γυναίκες όλου του κόσμου και όλων των ηλικιών. Μαθαίνεις πώς εσύ έχεις τις ανέσεις που άλλες απλά ονειρευόντουσαν.
Είμαστε τυχερές που γεννηθήκαμε γυναίκες. Είμαστε πλάσματα εξωπραγματικά, που μπορούμε να κάνουμε τα πάντα, και να γίνουμε ότι ποθούμε. Τίποτα δεν μπορεί να σου σταθεί εμπόδιο, παρα μόνο ο ίδιος σου ο εαυτός.
Όταν λοιπόν ξεχνάς τι μπορείς να κάνεις, αυτό το βιβλίο θα σου τα υπενθυμίζ��ι.
Δεν έχω πολλά να πω και δεν χρειάζεται.
Τσάκισα πολλές σελίδες για πράγματα που ήθελα να θυμάμαι. Νιώθω σαν να τσάκισα όλο το βιβλίο, γιατί πραγματικά είχε ΤΟΣΑ πολλά να δώσει. Μικρό, αλλά θαυματουργό.
Ότι και αν γίνει, αυτό το βιβλίο ΠΡΕΠΕΙ να είναι στις βιβλιοθήκες σας. Διαβάστε το και θα με θυμηθείτε. Αν το έχετε ήδη κάνει, σχολιάστε μου παρακάτω τι κρατήσατε και τις σας άγγιξε περισσότερο.
Ευχαριστώ θερμά τις εκδόσεις Ψυχογιός για αυτό το συγκλονιστικό βιβλίο.
Τελική Βαθμολογία:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 23, 2021
Η πατριαρχία επιβάλλεται με επιθετικότητα, απαιτεί υπακοή και τιμωρεί όποιον τολμά να την αμφισβητήσει.
Ξέρω ότι δεν είναι όλα τα είδη για όλους. Είμαι η πρώτη που το υποστηρίζω, αφού δεν τα διαβάζω εύκολα. Με εξαίρεση τα εγχειρίδια για τη σχολή, δε θα πιάσω non fiction βιβλίο. Το συγκεκριμένο όμως πέρασε πολλές φορές από την αρχική μου στο Instagram και άτομα που εμπιστεύομαι έχουν να πουν μόνο καλά λόγια. Εφόσον ήθελα κιόλας να έρθω σε επαφή με τη γραφή της Αλιέντε είπα να ξεκινήσω από αυτό. Και δεν απογοητεύτηκα καθόλου.
Το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο λοιπόν πιστεύω ότι πρέπει να διαβαστεί, αν όχι από όλους, από μια μεγάλη μερίδα ανθρώπων ανεξαρτήτως φύλου, κοινωνικής τάξης, προσωπικής κατάστασης κτλ. Σε μια εποχή μάλιστα που η έμφυλη βία έχει χτυπήσει κόκκινο στη χώρα μας, θα πρέπει να ευαισθητοποιηθεί μεγάλο μέρος του πληθυσμού, αν θέλουμε να δούμε αλλαγές στην κοινωνία. Η Αλιέντε με την αμεσότητα της και την προσωπική της εμπειρία σε μια άκρως πατριαρχική κοινωνία λέει αλήθειες που πονάνε και που δε θα έπρεπε να αγνοεί κανείς. Ξαναλέω ανεξαρτήτως φύλου και λοιπών παραγόντων. Διαβάστε το λοιπόν και αφήστε το να σας προβληματίσει.
Ξέρω ότι δεν είναι όλα τα είδη για όλους. Είμαι η πρώτη που το υποστηρίζω, αφού δεν τα διαβάζω εύκολα. Με εξαίρεση τα εγχειρίδια για τη σχολή, δε θα πιάσω non fiction βιβλίο. Το συγκεκριμένο όμως πέρασε πολλές φορές από την αρχική μου στο Instagram και άτομα που εμπιστεύομαι έχουν να πουν μόνο καλά λόγια. Εφόσον ήθελα κιόλας να έρθω σε επαφή με τη γραφή της Αλιέντε είπα να ξεκινήσω από αυτό. Και δεν απογοητεύτηκα καθόλου.
Το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο λοιπόν πιστεύω ότι πρέπει να διαβαστεί, αν όχι από όλους, από μια μεγάλη μερίδα ανθρώπων ανεξαρτήτως φύλου, κοινωνικής τάξης, προσωπικής κατάστασης κτλ. Σε μια εποχή μάλιστα που η έμφυλη βία έχει χτυπήσει κόκκινο στη χώρα μας, θα πρέπει να ευαισθητοποιηθεί μεγάλο μέρος του πληθυσμού, αν θέλουμε να δούμε αλλαγές στην κοινωνία. Η Αλιέντε με την αμεσότητα της και την προσωπική της εμπειρία σε μια άκρως πατριαρχική κοινωνία λέει αλήθειες που πονάνε και που δε θα έπρεπε να αγνοεί κανείς. Ξαναλέω ανεξαρτήτως φύλου και λοιπών παραγόντων. Διαβάστε το λοιπόν και αφήστε το να σας προβληματίσει.
September 18, 2022
In this book Isabel Allende talks about her life in terms of feminism so there’s anecdotes from all parts of her life. She reflects on her childhood and family in Chile, her children and loves as well as ageing, dying, work and her foundation. She also reflects on women’s lives around the world including access to healthcare, abortion and contraception as well as domestic violence.
November 20, 2020
Review Mulheres da Minha Alma, de Isabel Allende
74/2020
4⭐️
Comecei a ler Isabel Allende (Retrato a Sépia foi o primeiro) quando tinha 13 anos. Fiquei maravilhada com a imaginação e o espírito quente da sua escrita. Li quase todas as obras da autora desde então. Nos últimos anos acho que ela chegou à fase escrevo o que me apetece, de forma descontraída e sem culpas. Umas vezes corre melhor que outras. Desta vez correu muito bem.
Este é um livro sobre uma longa vida - Isabel Allende tem, à data de hoje, 78 anos - de luta, de força, de dores e sofrimentos, mas também de sucessos e aventuras maravilhosas.
Em tom muito autobiográfico, traz de volta a crítica aguçada, o discurso que consegue ser sincero e acutilante ao mesmo tempo. O espírito Allende está todo aqui. Mas é um espírito muito mais experiente, menos rígido.
Este é um livro sobre ser mulher neste mundo, sobre os podres do patriarcado, sobre ser humano, acima de tudo. Sobre a idade e a forma como tratamos a velhice enquanto civilização, muitas vezes, nada civilizada. Como se quando passamos dos sessenta perdêssemos toda a identidade.
Que seja como Bella Azbug disse e a autora cita: “No Século XXI, as mulheres alterarão a natureza do poder, em vez de ser o poder a alterar a natureza das mulheres.”
Isabel Allende criou uma fundação cuja missão é investir no poder de mulheres e meninas em risco.(www.isabelallendefoundation.org)
E vocês? Já leram? O que acharam?
74/2020
4⭐️
Comecei a ler Isabel Allende (Retrato a Sépia foi o primeiro) quando tinha 13 anos. Fiquei maravilhada com a imaginação e o espírito quente da sua escrita. Li quase todas as obras da autora desde então. Nos últimos anos acho que ela chegou à fase escrevo o que me apetece, de forma descontraída e sem culpas. Umas vezes corre melhor que outras. Desta vez correu muito bem.
Este é um livro sobre uma longa vida - Isabel Allende tem, à data de hoje, 78 anos - de luta, de força, de dores e sofrimentos, mas também de sucessos e aventuras maravilhosas.
Em tom muito autobiográfico, traz de volta a crítica aguçada, o discurso que consegue ser sincero e acutilante ao mesmo tempo. O espírito Allende está todo aqui. Mas é um espírito muito mais experiente, menos rígido.
Este é um livro sobre ser mulher neste mundo, sobre os podres do patriarcado, sobre ser humano, acima de tudo. Sobre a idade e a forma como tratamos a velhice enquanto civilização, muitas vezes, nada civilizada. Como se quando passamos dos sessenta perdêssemos toda a identidade.
Que seja como Bella Azbug disse e a autora cita: “No Século XXI, as mulheres alterarão a natureza do poder, em vez de ser o poder a alterar a natureza das mulheres.”
Isabel Allende criou uma fundação cuja missão é investir no poder de mulheres e meninas em risco.(www.isabelallendefoundation.org)
E vocês? Já leram? O que acharam?
November 22, 2020
Reflexiones de la autora sobre el feminismo, su infancia, juventud y su vida adulta como mujer. Al mismo tiempo que va hablando sobre la evolución de ser mujer en las sociedades que ella misma ha conocido.
Son reflexiones cortas, que van saltando de un tema a otro y que devoras sin apenas darte cuenta.
Son reflexiones cortas, que van saltando de un tema a otro y que devoras sin apenas darte cuenta.
January 12, 2021
This was a short read and as the author herself says, it's more of "an informal chat" than any other label one might put against it.
Isabelle Allende looks back over her life from the viewpoint of her gender, as a woman and looks at how the family she was born into, and their circumstances contributed to her own growth and development and attitudes.
Her mother Panchita was abandoned by her husband in Peru with two toddlers and newborn (Isabel), forcing her to return to her family in Chile. It is this circumstance she ascribes her rebellion against male authority to. A fear and darkness in childhood, a pre-verbal trauma and conscious frustration as she aged, that ensured she would do everything in her power not to inhabit that vulnerable space women so easily fall into.
Of course she is thwarted by her own passion(s) and marries a number of times, but she becomes obsessed with justice, develops a visceral reaction to male chauvinism and is so shocked by an experience she had in India, a random roadside breakdown event, that she creates a foundation for vulnerable girls, today run by her daughter in law.
At times the commentary seemed superficial, almost as if written too quickly, there were gaps, assertions without the facts, anecdotes, generalisations etc about women, men, feminism, the patriarchy, but then there were the silver linings, the moments of truth when she'd strike a chord that vibrated and made one pause.
Being in the later years of her life, she also reflects on that era, on the post retirement years and her attitude towards them, how she sees that she has changed, what she is and isn't prepared to compromise on.
It's provocative, insightful and an invitation to join the conversation and the action, to continue the work towards empowerment of women on their own terms and not as defined by the other. An optimist who drives a hard bargain, she also is one who says yes to life, prepared to take risks and then manage the consequences.
Though it was a galley and I shouldn't quote from it, and it's difficult to anyway as every 'fi' is removed and often the beginnings of sentences, I finish with her thoughts, which were inspired by her reading or perhaps listening to Jampolsky on forgiveness.
And asks the question "What kind of world do we want?
Isabelle Allende looks back over her life from the viewpoint of her gender, as a woman and looks at how the family she was born into, and their circumstances contributed to her own growth and development and attitudes.
Her mother Panchita was abandoned by her husband in Peru with two toddlers and newborn (Isabel), forcing her to return to her family in Chile. It is this circumstance she ascribes her rebellion against male authority to. A fear and darkness in childhood, a pre-verbal trauma and conscious frustration as she aged, that ensured she would do everything in her power not to inhabit that vulnerable space women so easily fall into.
Of course she is thwarted by her own passion(s) and marries a number of times, but she becomes obsessed with justice, develops a visceral reaction to male chauvinism and is so shocked by an experience she had in India, a random roadside breakdown event, that she creates a foundation for vulnerable girls, today run by her daughter in law.
At times the commentary seemed superficial, almost as if written too quickly, there were gaps, assertions without the facts, anecdotes, generalisations etc about women, men, feminism, the patriarchy, but then there were the silver linings, the moments of truth when she'd strike a chord that vibrated and made one pause.
Being in the later years of her life, she also reflects on that era, on the post retirement years and her attitude towards them, how she sees that she has changed, what she is and isn't prepared to compromise on.
It's provocative, insightful and an invitation to join the conversation and the action, to continue the work towards empowerment of women on their own terms and not as defined by the other. An optimist who drives a hard bargain, she also is one who says yes to life, prepared to take risks and then manage the consequences.
Though it was a galley and I shouldn't quote from it, and it's difficult to anyway as every 'fi' is removed and often the beginnings of sentences, I finish with her thoughts, which were inspired by her reading or perhaps listening to Jampolsky on forgiveness.
More energy is needed to sustain ill feelings than to forgive. The key to contentment is forgiveness of others and ourselves.
And asks the question "What kind of world do we want?
December 9, 2020
Lo mejor del libro es que se lee rápido y es como si estuviera conversando,pero sin embargo va de una lado a otro sin profundizar en nada. A mi en lo personal no me aportó nada nuevo, casi todo ya lo habia leido en alguno de sus libros,a veces hasta se repite. Más interesantes los pasajes de su vida personal que las reflexiones sobre el feminismo que a veces se hacen largas y sin aportar nada . Para el que haya leido poco de ella le resultará más interesante. Su lectura en general es grata y tiene toques de humor como es su estilo.
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