Rating: 
Summary: Another Non-Fiction Work From Allende That Shines
Review: My Invented County is billed as "a nostalgic journey through Chile." Personally, I thought it was more of a travelogue of emotions centered on Chile. Allende channels these emotions through her trademark energetic prose to present a vivid portrayal of the Chilean personality, the emotional impact the country's landscape has on its citizens, and the social mores which dominate Chilean interactions. What never lingers long in the background of this portrayal is Allende's examination of how these elements have shaped her as a writer. This reflective tone imparts to the reader that Allende is taking stock of her life before embarking on another direction.I'm finding that I enjoy Allende's recent non-fiction books much more than her latest fictional works. The reason why is because her non-fiction contains much more passion than her fiction, which often comes off like a research project. Still, I don't think one needs to have read all of her other works to appreciate My Invented Country (although it doesn't hurt). Whether one is a long time Allende reader, a native of Chile, or neither, it'll be hard not to enjoy this touching journey though a country and a life.
Rating: 
Summary: Eva Luna is still hard to beat
Review: What can I say?
I LOVED Eva Luna & I have a lot of respect for Isabel Allende & I wanted to really like this book - & I did. But part of my liking for the book was purely some kind of loyalist support. After finishing it, I remembered that I felt she was losing her touch when I read that book where they sit around playing cards. I forget the title but remember the cover. I guess this book would be a great read for Chileans. For a non-American, it reads kind of mediocre. But it does let you know something of her life & her country & that;s what she set out to do in a way. So in this respect she suceeded.
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