Violeta 4.5 rounded to 5

[Susan]

How is it that Allende violates one of the cardinal pieces of advice given to fiction authors – show, don’t tell – and yet writes a compelling story that creeps into the heart and leaves lasting impressions? That advice to fiction writers, like much other advice, probably needs to be followed lightly, and ignored when it isn’t needed. Allende’s genius is in knowing how to ignore it. She was a reporter before she was a fiction writer, I believe, and maybe that influenced her style. With Violeta, she lets the first-person character tell the story of her one-hundred-year-long life, literally from birth to death, in a semi-epistolary discourse to someone named Camilo. We find out who he is about half way through the book and meanwhile are taken on a journey through Violeta’s life, her loves and losses among political upheavals. I was baffled by which Latin American country Violeta called her own; I read in a review that it was an “unnamed one” and it seems an historical/cultural mashup of several, with a few well-known places dotted around.
I didn’t find Violeta especially likeable; she seemed self-absorbed, but she was colorful and interesting. As she herself recognized, she lacked wisdom. She indulged in momentary passions, both positive and negative, with lovers who weren’t suited to her in various ways. She flung mild, off-the-cuff insults at Camilo. But I admit that made her seem real. I found myself wondering how much was autobiographical, although I imagine the author has more wisdom than Violeta. But I know better than to conflate the real author with her character. I’ll just settle for admiring Allende’s superb story telling skill.

[Joanne]

Glad you enjoyed it Susan, a bit better than I. Allende is always hit or miss with me, but I love her descriptive writing and always go into her books with an open mind. As you said her storytelling is top of the game!

[Susan]

I enjoyed your review Joanne, and know what you mean about the distance created by an epistolary style. I've loved Allende for so long that I may have lost my ability to evaluate her books with the same criteria I use for others!

[Joanne]

Thank you Susan, it may be on this one that epistolary ruined it for me, not one of my favorite genres,

[Holly R W]

This was the only book that I was able to read and enjoy when my father died. For this very personal reason, I gave the book 5 stars.

Susan, you wonder in your review whether Violeta is autobiographical. In an interview, Allende said that Violeta is based upon her own mother.

[Susan]

Aha! Thanks for that info, Holly. Seems like both Allende and her mother were fiery, passionate women! I'm glad the book gave you comfort when needed. That's worth a lot.

[Holly R W]

Thanks, Susan.

[Hannah]

Than you for the review! I have had this one out of the library and returned it unread a few times now, but your review has convinced me to put another hold on it, and actually read it this time.

[Amy]

I have struggled with Allende as a mixed bag. But this one really captured me. I loved it. I found Violeta somehow entrancing.

[Susan]

Hannah wrote: "Than you for the review! I have had this one out of the library and returned it unread a few times now, but your review has convinced me to put another hold on it, and actually read it this time."

Hope you'll enjoy it!

[Susan]

Amy wrote: "I have struggled with Allende as a mixed bag. But this one really captured me. I loved it. I found Violeta somehow entrancing."

She was an interesting character, for sure. Glad you enjoyed it.