Podcast Summary: "The Interview": Isabel Allende Understands How Fear Changes a Society
The Book Review hosted by Gilbert Cruz features a profound conversation with esteemed author Isabel Allende in the episode titled "Isabel Allende Understands How Fear Changes a Society." Released on May 2, 2025, this episode delves deep into Allende's latest novel, her personal history, writing philosophy, and her humanitarian efforts. The following summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from their engaging dialogue.
1. Introduction to Isabel Allende and Her New Novel
Gilbert Cruz opens the conversation by introducing Isabel Allende, highlighting her status as one of the world's most beloved Spanish-language authors. He provides context about her latest work, "My Name is Emilia Del Valle," which is set against the backdrop of the 1891 Chilean Civil War—a period marked by brutality and societal upheaval.
[00:07] Gilbert Cruz: "Allende's newest book is called My Name is Emilia Del Valle and it's about a dark period in Chilean history... It's a story about women in tough spots who figure out a way through."
2. Historical Parallels and Inspiration for the Novel
Allende discusses her fascination with history and how the 1891 civil war mirrors the 1973 military coup in Chile that led to her exile. She draws parallels between the two events, emphasizing the recurring themes of political turmoil and personal loss.
[03:25] Isabel Allende: "There are some parallels between what happened in 1891... and what happened in 1973 in Chile with Salvador Allende... it was fascinating to explore."
3. The Recurring Del Valle Family in Allende's Works
The conversation shifts to the significance of the Del Valle surname, which appears across multiple novels. Allende attributes this to her rich familial history and the vibrant characters inspired by her relatives.
[04:57] Isabel Allende: "With relatives like mine, you don't need to invent anything. So the Del Valle family will be haunting me forever."
4. Personal Reflections on Fatherhood and Loss
Allende shares her personal experiences regarding her estranged father, revealing the emotional void and the profound impact his absence had on her life. This segment provides a poignant backdrop to her character development in her novels.
[06:03] Isabel Allende: "She never spoke about him... All the photographs in which he appeared were destroyed."
5. Feminism and Portrayal of Strong Female Characters
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Allende's commitment to creating strong, unconventional female protagonists. She attributes this to her own experiences growing up in a patriarchal society and her unwavering feminist beliefs.
[08:46] Isabel Allende: "I write about women who are always challenging convention... those are the characters I love, and I write about them because I know them so well."
6. Early Career and Encounter with Pablo Neruda
Allende reminisces about her early days as a journalist, including a memorable encounter with the revered Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. This interaction, though initially discouraging, was a pivotal moment that eventually led her to pivot from journalism to literature.
[13:35] Isabel Allende: "He said... you are the worst journalist in this country... I should have paid attention, but I didn't until many, many years later."
7. Exile to Venezuela and the Birth of The House of the Spirits
Following the 1973 coup, Allende's exile to Venezuela marks a turning point in her life and career. She discusses the emotional and creative impetus behind writing her acclaimed novel The House of the Spirits, which began as a series of letters to her dying grandfather.
[21:30] Isabel Allende: "This letter that eventually turned into the book was like opening a vein and bleed out all that I was holding."
8. Coping with Grief and the Power of Writing
Allende reflects on the profound grief following her daughter Paula's passing and how writing served as a therapeutic outlet. She emphasizes the enduring connection she feels with Paula, keeping her memory alive through daily rituals and photographs.
[25:27] Isabel Allende: "I have written 30 books, and this is the one that has had in time, the greatest response from the readers... I feel my daughter like a companion."
9. The Art of Letter Writing
Highlighting the intimacy of letter writing, Allende shares her extensive correspondence with her mother, comprising approximately 24,000 letters. She contrasts this with the impersonal nature of modern digital communication, underscoring the depth of connection achievable through handwritten letters.
[27:29] Isabel Allende: "It's a lost art. Language has shrunk to nothing because of the email... I grew up writing to my mother every single day."
10. Personal Life and Relationships
The discussion transitions to Allende's personal life, including her marriage to Roger, whom she met after he persistently reached out to her via email. She candidly talks about her decision to divorce her second husband at the age of 74, prioritizing personal happiness over societal expectations.
[33:03] Isabel Allende: "It takes more courage to stay in a bad relationship than to start anew alone. So that's what I did."
11. American Citizenship and Humanitarian Work
Allende expresses her complex feelings about American citizenship, remaining critical yet hopeful about the nation's potential for compassion and generosity. She also sheds light on her foundation's work with refugees, particularly women and children at the U.S. southern border, highlighting the increasing challenges faced in recent times.
[35:38] Isabel Allende: "I am really critical... I want this country to be compassionate and open and generous and happy."
12. Balancing Writing and Activism
Addressing the interplay between her literary pursuits and activism, Allende delineates a clear boundary. While her fiction remains devoid of overt political messaging, her non-fiction works serve as platforms for advocacy and social commentary.
[37:21] Isabel Allende: "I try to separate activism from literature. The best way to ruin a good novel is by trying to deliver a message."
13. Embracing Aging and Legacy
In the concluding sections, Allende reflects on aging as a liberating journey rather than a societal taboo. She discusses her intent to document this phase of her life and contemplates how future generations will interpret current political events with the benefit of hindsight.
[38:44] Isabel Allende: "I am trying to keep a record of this right now... I hope to have enough time to be able to see what we are living today with some perspective."
Notable Quotes
-
On Writing Strong Female Characters:
"Those are the characters I love, and I write about them because I know them so well."
[08:46] Isabel Allende -
On the Impact of Fear on Society:
"Fear is a very pervasive thing that changes a society and changes the way people behave with each other and changes you inside."
[18:50] Isabel Allende -
On the Art of Letter Writing:
"It's a lost art. Language has shrunk to nothing because of the email."
[27:29] Isabel Allende -
On Embracing Aging:
"People don't want to hear about aging. It's, like, ugly... but it can also be very liberating and a very wonderful journey."
[38:44] Isabel Allende
Concluding Thoughts
The interview offers a comprehensive glimpse into Isabel Allende's life, her motivations as a writer, and her enduring commitment to humanitarian causes. Through her narratives, Allende not only recounts personal and historical events but also provides insightful commentary on societal changes, the resilience of women, and the transformative power of storytelling. Her reflections on grief, love, and aging add depth to her persona, making this conversation a treasure for both literary enthusiasts and those interested in the human condition.