Isabel Allende

NAME: Isabel Allende  

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Internationally acclaimed author known for her novels that blend magical realism, historical fiction, and feminism. Her most famous works include The House of the Spirits and City of the Beasts.

BIRTH: August 2, 1942, Lima, Peru

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Daughter of Tomás Allende, a Chilean diplomat, and Francisca Llona, a journalist and feminist activist. Her father's cousin was Salvador Allende, the first socialist president of Chile.

CHILDHOOD: Lived in Peru, Bolivia, and Lebanon due to her father's diplomatic career. Witnessed political turmoil and experienced personal struggles, such as her parents' separation.

Isabel was brought up by her grandfather, who would talk to her about their crazy relatives. It was a childhood with no TV, when people would just sit and tell stories.

EDUCATION: Attended various schools in different countries, including the British School in Beirut and the Alliance Française in Santiago, Chile. Began a journalism career at a young age.

CAREER RECORD: Worked as a journalist in Chile, writing for publications like Paula magazine and writing children's stories.

Fled Chile to Venezuela in 1973 after the Pinochet coup d'état, which led to the death of her uncle, President Salvador Allende.

Began writing fiction in Venezuela, with her debut novel The House of the Spirits published in 1982, becoming a global bestseller.

Continued writing prolifically, publishing over 20 novels, short stories, and essays, translated into more than 35 languages and selling over 67 million copies worldwide.

APPEARANCE: Described as having a warm smile, expressive eyes, and a youthful demeanor.

Allende in Germany in 2015. By Lesekreis - Own work, Wikipedia

FASHION: Known for her elegant and understated style, often favoring comfortable and classic pieces with a touch of bohemian flair..

CHARACTER: Strong, independent, and passionate. Known for her commitment to social justice and human rights.

SPEAKING VOICE Isabel Allende's speaking voice is often described as vibrant, elegant, and deeply engaging, reflecting her charisma and the emotional depth of her storytelling. In interviews, Allende's voice carries a blend of wisdom and wit, often infused with her bicultural experiences as a Chilean-American. She speaks fluently in both Spanish and English, using her platform to address global issues such as peace and justice with clarity and convictioN.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Allende's writing often reflects a subtle sense of humor, blending wit with profound observations.

RELATIONSHIPS:  Isabel Allende married Miguel Frías in 1962 when she was 19 years old. They were married for 25 years before divorcing in 1987. 

During their marriage, they had two children together - Paula (born in 1963) and Nicolás (born in 1966). Pauls died from complications of the disease porphyria in 1992. Allende started the Isabel Allende Foundation on December 9, 1996, in honor of her daughter.

In July 1988, Allende married her second husband, William Gordon, an American attorney and novelist. They were married for 27 years before separating in 2015. Their wedding took place in San Francisco, and they lived together in nearby San Rafael, California.

In July 2019, at the age of 76, Allende married Roger Cukras, a New York lawyer, in an intimate ceremony in Washington, D.C.. Prior to their marriage, Cukras had moved from New York to California to be with Allende.

Allende has been open about her experiences with love and marriage later in life. After her second marriage ended in 2015, she initially thought she would remain single. However, she unexpectedly fell in love again with Cukras, demonstrating that new relationships are possible at any age

MONEY AND FAME: Achieved significant financial success through her writing career. Actively uses her platform to advocate for causes she believes in.

FOOD AND DRINK: Allende is a known food enthusiast, and her writing often includes vivid descriptions of meals and culinary experiences.

MUSIC AND ARTS: She has a deep appreciation for the arts and incorporates cultural elements into her storytelling.

LITERATURE: A voracious reader herself, she cites Gabriel García Márquez and Virginia Woolf as literary influences.

Published in 1982, Allende's debut novel The House of the Spirits is a veiled political saga inspired by tales her grandfather told her - especially of her grandmother's paranormal powers. It became an instant best-seller, and catapulted Allende to literary stardom. 

Allende has spoken about having specific writing rituals, like starting her workday early and writing in longhand, 

According to the book The Creative Trance: Altered States of Consciousness and the Creative Process by Stan Krippner, she insists on starting every novel on January 8. 

She said: "Sometimes, men say to me: “I don’t read books by women.” Usually, it’s older men.’"

NATURE: Her writing often reflects an appreciation for nature, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Chile.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Allende is known for her love of literature, travel, and connecting with people. She has also expressed interest in spiritual practices. 

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Her primary interests lie in the realms of literature and social issues.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Raised Catholic, her personal beliefs are not explicitly stated, but her work often explores themes of faith, spirituality, and the human condition.

SCANDAL: Allende has not been involved in any major scandals, maintaining a reputation focused on her literary contributions.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Maintains an active lifestyle and prioritizes her well-being.

HOMES: Lived in various countries throughout her life, including Chile, Venezuela, the United States, and Spain.

TRAVEL: Extensive travels have inspired and informed her writing, providing diverse cultural and geographical settings for her stories.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Allende has made numerous appearances in the media for interviews, literary events, and discussions related to her works.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Literary success and critical acclaim for her novels, influencing generations of readers worldwide.

The Chilean-American writer is the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author.

Championing human rights and social justice through her writing and activism.

Founding the Isabel Allende Foundation, dedicated to empowering women and children.