Ines of My Soul

Description

The vibrant new novel from Isabel Allende takes her back to her homeland of Chile, and tells the story of the first Spanish woman to arrive on its shores with the Conquistadors in the 1500s. A real historical figure, Ines Suarez came to Chile with the Conquistadors in 1540, helping to claim the territory for Spain and to found the first Spanish settlement in Santiago. In this remarkable novel, Isabel Allende - one of the world's most spellbinding storytellers - re-imagines Ines's life and that of the two men who become her lover and husband respectively. 'Ines of My Soul' evokes the conflict and drama of the Conquistadors' arrival in Chile, as well as helping restore the reputation of Ines, a powerful woman long neglected by history and a patriarchal society. It also finds Allende returning to territory beloved of her and her readers - imaginative historical fiction, evocatively told - and to the familiar landscape of her native country. The novel gives Ines the recognition and glory that are rightfully hers; but more than that it is an epic tale of love and conquest, lyrically written and enchantingly told by a writer at the peak of her powers.

Isabel Allende is the author of twelve works of fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Maya"s Notebook, Island Beneath the Sea, Ines of My Soul, Daughter of Fortune, and a novel that has become a world-renowned classic, The House of the Spirits. Born in Peru and raised in Chile, she lives in California.

'In "The House of Spirits", Allende constructed an allusional tale for the fate of modern Chile. Now she has repeated the trick for the foundation of the country. The result is perhaps her best book since that debut.' Independent 'Allende's version of events sees Ines Suarez as the puppeteer pulling the strings of the influential men she's involved with. She is quick-witted, militarily astute and has a deep understanding of "the enemy". Allende does not attempt to rewrite the past. Instead, she provides a colourful glimpse into the life of a daring Spanish woman whose vital role has been forgotten by history.' Daily Express 'Fresh and provocative looks at this fascinating period of history.' New Statesman 'Writing about her homeland and its history, she brings to her work a passion and commitment worthy of her vividly drawn characters.' Glasgow Herald 'The author's characteristic lush, passionate prose is apparent. Breathtaking in scope and vibrant in pace, this is old-fashioned story-telling at its best -- an enthralling insight into a colourful and long-ignored historical figure.' Financial Times 'A work of historical fiction couldn't ask for better bones than the adventures of a real-life conquistadora!In "Ines of My Soul", Allende succeeds in resurrecting a woman from history and endowing her with the gravitas of a hero.' Scotsman 'The bloodthirsty tale of invading the Americas is familiar, but here it is told from a woman's viewpoint. It took the invaders a whole year to cross the Andes and the Atacama desert, one of the most desolate places on earth. When founding Santiago, their new capital, in 1541, they faced terrifying numbers of Mapuche Indians, warriors so fearsome that even the powerful Inca had failed to subdue them. Six months after the settlement was built, the Mapuche razed it. To withstand all this, Suarez must have been quite a woman.' Sunday Telegraph 'Gives voice to one of history's forgotten women. This is an exhilarating tale. Fiery and shrewd, Ines is a gift to a writer of Allende's skill.' Easy Living 'As in other Allende novels the heroine acknowledges the virtue and fascination of men whether as lovers or companions. A dashing Amazon, of the kind Spenser or Aristo might have delighted to portray, she is also possessed of a survivor's tough, melancholy wisdom, lending this drama of love and conquest a grim credibility.' Times Literary Supplement 'Beautifully imagined "memoir" of this exceptional historical figure. Isabel Allende has rescued a potential feminist icon from cold storage, yet in doing so she has had to avoid the glorification of the conquistadors. As for the incredible Ines Suarez, Allende brings her utterly and vividly to life. She is the ultimate conquistadora: hugely charismatic, wildly passionate, and ruthlessly focused on survival -- her own, her lover's, and that of her brand-new blood-soaked country.' Waterstones Books Quarterly 'Lush historical drama.' Elle