I have forever been told of the beauty of Isabel Allende's writing, and was therefore thrilled to win this novel in a Goodreads Giveaway. Many thanks to Goodreads and Ballantine Books for gifting me with this historical fiction account of the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath that traversed continents.
Though Ms. Allende begins by introducing us to the history of Spain, a country marred by political unrest in the late 1930s, the characters spent most of their time in Chile, dubbed the "The Long Petal of the Sea" by poet Pablo Neruda (whom she quotes throughout the novel). I knew very little of the revolt led by the Spanish military, and was fascinated to learn about the SS Winnipeg's journey to Chile with over 2,000 Spanish refugees escaping Franco's reign. The characters left one country in upheaval, only to enter another whose woes were just as substantial. As with most historical fiction novels, I so appreciate the author bringing this tumultuous history to light.
The characters were, for the most part, endearing but I must admit that I often felt like this particular novel was written as a succession of events in these characters' lives, rather than a journey through their lives. Given the sheer amount of historical ground the author covered, it does not surprise me that she chose this method of writing to convey her story. The story did enlighten me as far as realizing how much hatred is sewn in the name of patriotism. It is amazing how groups can get so caught up in "patriotism" that over time morphs into nationalism, and the line is so thoroughly blurred. Sadly, the characters were never able to feel fully "at home" because they were never accepted in the countries that were meant to offer them refuge.
All in all, I was able to understand Allende's appeal as a writer and I was impressed by her ability to weave a beautiful story of love and loyalty into a historical setting that was far from amiable.
Read 7/6/20
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