“Before the military coup in Chile, we had the idea that military coups happen in Banana Republics, somewhere in Central America. It would never happen in Chile. Chile was such a solid democracy. And when it happened, it had brutal characteristics.”

Chilean novelist and memoirist, Isabel Allende is best known for her sweeping, family-centric narratives that blend magic realism with political and social commentary. Her work often explores themes of resilience, memory, and the bonds between generations, earning her a global readership and critical acclaim.