Summary of "Isabel Allende Understands How Fear Changes a Society" Episode

Podcast Title: The Interview
Host: Gilbert Cruz (Guest Hosting for Lulu Garcia-Navarro)
Episode Title: Isabel Allende Understands How Fear Changes a Society
Release Date: April 26, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Interview, Gilbert Cruz engages in an in-depth conversation with Isabel Allende, the renowned Chilean author known for her poignant storytelling and profound exploration of societal issues. At 82, Allende's literary contributions have spanned over 30 books, with her works translated into more than 40 languages and selling 80 million copies worldwide. This episode delves into her latest novel, personal history, writing process, and her perspectives on fear's impact on society.

Isabel Allende’s Background and New Work

Allende's Journey: Gilbert Cruz opens the discussion by highlighting Allende's tumultuous journey from Chile to Venezuela and eventually the United States following the 1973 military coup that overthrew her cousin, President Salvador Allende. This upheaval marked a significant turning point, leading her to pen her first novel, The House of the Spirits.

New Novel - My Name is Emilia del Valle: Allende introduces her newest book, My Name is Emilia del Valle, set against the backdrop of the 1891 Chilean Civil War. The story mirrors her own experiences of upheaval and resilience.

“I look back all the time to what happened before in order to explain what's happening today in our lives.” ([03:15])

Historical Parallels in Her Writing

Allende draws parallels between the 1891 civil war and the 1973 coup in Chile, emphasizing the recurring themes of political strife and personal loss. Both events saw presidents committing suicide amidst widespread violence and societal trauma.

“There was no civil war. There was really a brutal military coup...both presidents committed suicide.” ([04:29])

Personal Relationships and Their Influence

The Del Valle Family: Allende discusses the recurring last name "del Valle" across her novels, a tribute to her own family members who inspired many of her characters.

“With relatives like mine, you don't need to invent anything. So the Valle family will be haunting me forever.” ([05:35])

Relationship with Her Father: The conversation delves into Allende's strained relationship with her father, a theme also explored in her novel through the protagonist Emilia's quest to connect with her absent father.

“All the photographs in which he appeared were destroyed... there was no explanation.” ([05:54])

Feminism and Character Development

Allende emphasizes her lifelong commitment to feminism, shaped by observing her mother's struggles in a patriarchal society. Her female characters often challenge societal norms and exhibit resilience.

“I write about women who are always challenging convention and get a lot of aggression for that, but they stand up and they are able to fend for themselves.” ([08:37])

The Writing Process and Letter Writing

Letters as a Foundation: Allende highlights the significance of letter writing in her creative process, noting that her first novel evolved from a letter to her grandfather.

“This letter that eventually turned into the book was like opening a vein and bleed out all that I was holding.” ([22:29])

Volume of Correspondence: She shares that she has authored around 24,000 letters with her late mother, showcasing the depth of their relationship.

“I have around 24,000 letters. Can you imagine the volume of that?” ([28:28])

Grief and Loss in Her Work

Loss of Her Daughter, Paula: Allende reflects on the profound grief following her daughter's death, which became the subject of her memoir, Paula. She discusses how writing served as a therapeutic outlet.

“I have written 30 books, and this is the one that has had, in time, the greatest response from the readers.” ([27:24])

Later Life and Relationships

Marriage to Roger: Allende recounts her relationship with her third husband, Roger, who demonstrated unwavering commitment by uprooting his life to join her in California.

“He sold his house and gave away everything... that's quite powerful.” ([32:32])

Divorce in Later Years: At 74, after 28 years of marriage, Allende chose to divorce her second husband, prioritizing personal happiness over societal expectations.

“It takes more courage to stay in a bad relationship than to start anew alone.” ([34:40])

Citizenship and Humanitarian Work

American Citizenship: While critical of certain aspects of American society, Allende expresses pride in being an American citizen and remains committed to fostering compassion and openness in the country.

“I am willing to stand and work to make this country what it should be.” ([36:37])

Foundation’s Efforts with Refugees: Allende discusses the challenges her foundation faces in aiding refugees, particularly women and children, amid increasing brutality at the U.S. southern border.

“We work with women mostly, and children, the most vulnerable people. And it's very sad.” ([37:20])

Current Perspectives and Future Outlook

Separation of Activism and Writing: Allende maintains a clear boundary between her humanitarian efforts and her fictional writing, striving to keep her storytelling free from overt ideological influence.

“The best way to ruin a good novel is by trying to deliver a message.” ([38:20])

Reflecting on Aging: Currently, Allende is focused on embracing the process of aging, viewing it as a liberating journey rather than a societal taboo.

“I am trying to keep a record of this right now.” ([39:43])

Looking to the Future: Allende expresses a hope to analyze contemporary political events with the wisdom gained from time, much like how she approached writing about the Chilean coup years later.

“I hope to have enough time to be able to see what we are living today with some perspective.” ([40:56])

Notable Quotes

1. On Historical Reflection:

   “I look back all the time to what happened before in order to explain what's happening today in our lives.” ([03:15])

2. On Feminism in Writing:

   “I write about women who are always challenging convention and get a lot of aggression for that, but they stand up and they are able to fend for themselves.” ([08:37])

3. On Letter Writing:

   “I have around 24,000 letters. Can you imagine the volume of that?” ([28:28])

4. On Starting Anew:

   “It takes more courage to stay in a bad relationship than to start anew alone.” ([34:40])

5. On Aging:

   “I am trying to keep a record of this right now.” ([39:43])

Conclusion

Through this intimate conversation, Isabel Allende offers profound insights into how fear shapes societies and individuals. Her personal experiences of loss, resilience, and unwavering commitment to storytelling illuminate the intricate ways in which history and personal narrative intertwine. Allende's dedication to portraying strong, defiant female characters serves as a testament to her feminist ideals and her belief in the power of literature to reflect and influence societal change.

For those who haven't listened to this episode, Isabel Allende's rich narratives and heartfelt reflections provide a deep understanding of the human condition amidst societal upheaval. Her ability to intertwine personal history with broader historical contexts offers valuable lessons on resilience, identity, and the transformative power of fear.