Ines of My Soul

I've enjoyed all of Isabel Allende's books but this is certainly one of her best. After I finished reading it I wanted to go back and begin reading again! In this sweeping historical novel Allende establishes herself as a 21st century chronicler of the conquest of Chile. In the process she restores Inés Suárez to an appropriate level of importance and gives voice to the Mapuche Indians. (They tell part of the story and their words are part of the narrative.) This is not a black and white version of the conquest; it is nuanced with multiple perspectives. We hear from Inés (a European woman), Pedro de Valdivia (Spanish conquerer), Catalina (a quechua-speaking servant), Cecilia (an Incan princess), Felipe/Lautaro (Mapuche hero) and many more. Allende's gifts as a novelist and storyteller make this an appealing and unforgettable book. I can still picture the vivid descriptions of Chile and hear the clamor and war cries of battle. Throughout the saga the sentiments of believable characters breathe life into a sequence of historical events. In this compelling work Allende has created the lasting monument to Inés Suárez.

Being an engineer I seldom read other than technical publications. However I saw my sister (who is now an MD) reading this book while on vacation, scuba diving in Mexico. I was intrigued in what kind of book she would be interested in. So she let me read the first chapter (which was the Italian version) between dives. I found myself fully immersed in Inez's life and could not let go. I kept urging my sister to finish the book so I could get back to it. The book has some serious violence in it, but is also romantic and passionate. I think the author is great and I have recommended the book to my wife who was amused how the two of us were fighing over it. I have never recommended a non technical book to anyone before. However being of european upbringing, I chuckle at the fact that in europe, the book's cover shows Inez's breasts, while in the US version they are covered. In America we can handle the violence but not the sex; in the US sex goes digital: it is either nothing or swings to pornography. Go figure why. Anyhow I love Isabel Allende's work and I am reading the book dedicated to her daughter Paula. I am glad Isabel came to America and taught at various US universities. We need more authors like her. I wish I had her as a literature teacher.

This is a really fascinating book that gives insight into the native people of South America. The indian boy who mingles with the Spanish to learn their ways, then becomes the great warrior leading his people is an amazing touch. I don't know how much historical accuracy there is to his character, but if it's close to correct, it's one of the most amazing stories ever. I'm guessing that the reviewers who weren't thrilled with the book were women. This Allende book has a female main character, but I'm guessing men will identify more with her than women. Even for today, she would have been an amazingly strong woman. In her time, she was truly remarkable.

Allende is an interesting and complex author. I highly recommend this novel, as well as all of her other work. Her investigation and opinions on spirituality are particularly intriguing to me. She creates strong female characters that come across as realistic and layered. Allende subtly mixes her personal ideas and reactions to 9/11 into a narrative set long ago. This novel is particularly thought-provoking when read with the mind-set of universal human interests (such as power and conquest) and the idea of history repeating itself. If you are interested in the development of relationships, countries, and passionate lives, then this book will interest you.

Para mi es la misma Isabel Allende Maravillosa para escribir, la senti como cuando la casa de los espiritus. En esta historia, la de Ines Suarez que desde joven fue de caracter fuerte y siguio lo que ella le tenia fe. Ines Suarez tomo parte en la conquista de Chile por parte de los eapañoles, tal como lo describe una persona aqui si narra situaciones un poco crueles pero hay que recordar que en la guerra.. si hasta en estos tiempos existen anomalias.. para empezar la guerra misma. te involucras en la vida de Ines Suarez, una mujer fuerte y de un gran corazon que fue compartido en 3 ocasiones con toda su alma. Como lo dice Allende en el prologo, los dialogos han sido adaptados a los tiempos actuales para mayor comprension, vale mucho la pena leerla y ... pues ojala escribiera mas seguido!!!