Product Description
Isabel Allende garnered immediate attention and international acclaim with the 1982 publication of House of Spirits. This Critical Companion introduces readers to Allende's writings with accessible literary analysis of her six novels, featuring discussions of plot, character development, thematic concerns and style, historical contexts, and alternative critical perspectives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fine biography of a great story-teller.
The simplest description of this book is that it is a short biography of renowned hispanic writer Isabel Allende, translated from the Spanish by Margaret Sayers Peden. It is based on a series of taped interviews between Zapata and Allende made at Zapata's instigation after many years of cajoling, following the beginning of their friendship in the 1980s. It was Zapata, a professor of Latin American literature at San Jose State University, who convinced Isabel, then a new best-selling author living in Venezuela and also newly divorced, to include California in a lecture tour promoting her popular novels in the USA for the first time. In their first meeting at San Jose it was Celia who introduced Isabel to the man who would later become Isabel's second husband, William Gordon. This in turn led to Isabel moving her home from Venezuela to California. The interviews that became this book occurred at regular intervals over a whole year in a rented hotel room near San Francisco Airport, half way between San Jose and Isabel's new home in San Rafael. In one interview Isabel says, "Why do I write? Because I am filled with stories that demand to be told, because the words are choking me, because I like and need to write, because if I don't write my soul dries up and I die." I like Allende's books, and I like her personally even more after reading this compelling biography. It's an easy read, and also includes a helpful chronology of Isabel's complicated life from 1942 to 2002. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A spectacular read.
The House of Spirits is a based on generations of the author's family. Wonderfully written, she takes us by the handto lead us throughthe wonderfully hilarious, sometimes awkward and often times quirky situations of her family's lives. Yet she does not spare the villinous escapades of one of her familiy's patriarch. When I finish a book such as this I feel as though I have lost a dozen friends. I purchased this book immediately on Amazon.comafter hearing the author interviewed on XMPRI. When asked by the host/producer, Doug Fabrizio, of Radio West, a one hour call-in show how she came to write this novel, her first, she said she didn't know she was writing one. She said It began as a letter to her mother. This book is a gem. ... Read more

Product Description
Get in touch with the great diversity inherent withing the creativeprocess..You will understand that being creative means following your dreams andfinding your life's purpose.Amazon.com Review
New Dimensions radio-host Michael Toms explores the subject ofcreativity with six specialists: Julia Cameron (The Artist's Way),Natalie Goldberg (Writing Down theBones), Deena Metzger (Writing for YourLife), composer-musician Keith Jarrett, author Isabel Allende,and psychologist Mihály Csikszentmihályi. If you arealready familiar with the work of Toms's subjects, there is not a lotnew here to be gleaned: Cameron recommends writing three pages firstthing in the morning to get past fear and procrastination; Goldbergtalks about the need to record the thoughts that come before yourinner censor kicks in; Metzger emphasizes writing about what you don'talready know ("It's very boring to write what you do know");Jarrett talks about the need to push one's limits; Allende discussesthe "particles of truth" that are found in the "bunchof lies" we call fiction; and Csikszsetmihályi talks abouthow "our education is based on convergence thinking," whilecreativity arises out of divergent thinking. But Michael Toms asks allthe right questions, which makes this a fine introduction to theinterviewees' thoughts on the matter of creativity and a good way todetermine where to direct your reading next. --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Product Description
Born a slave on the island of Saint-Domingue, Zarité -- known as Tété -- is the daughter of an African mother she never knew and one of the white sailors who brought her into bondage. Though her childhood is one of brutality and fear, Tété finds solace in the traditional rhythms of African drums and in the voodoo loas she discovers through her fellow slaves. When twenty-year-old Toulouse Valmorain arrives on the island in 1770, its with powdered wigs in his baggage and dreams of financial success in his mind. But running his fathers plantation, Saint Lazare, is neither glamorous nor easy. It will be eight years before he brings home a bride -- but marriage, too, proves more difficult than he imagined. And Valmorain remains dependent on the services of his teenaged slave. Spanning four decades, Island Beneath the Sea is the moving story of the intertwined lives of Tété and Valmorain, and of one womans determination to find love amid loss, to offer humanity though her own has been battered, and to forge her own identity in the cruellest of circumstances. ... Read more

Product Description
Limited first English language edition; originally published in Spain in 1987. Reddish-brown leather binding, stamped on all sides in gilt and green. Raised bands on the spine. All edges gilt. Also, beautiful decorative endpapers and a silk ribbon bookmark. Illustrated by Kinuko Craft frontispiece, depicting themes from the novel. 272pp. Printed and personally signed exclusively for members of The Signed First Edition Society. ... Read more

Product Description
Isabel Allende's powerful tale of one boy's escape from the slums of Los Angeles.This magnificent novel tells the story of Gregory Reeves, the son of Charles, an itinerant preacher. As a boy, Gregory accepts the endless journeying and poverty which is his family's lot, never questioning the validity of his father's homespun philosophy of life -- the Infinite Plan. But, as manhood approaches, Gregory finds himself increasingly possessed by a yearning to escape. Hankering after worldly wealth, he longs to break away from the barrio, the teeming Hispanic ghetto of downtown Los Angeles where his family has finally settled. Gregory's quest, so different from his father's, takes him first to the killing fields of Vietnam, and thence to law school at Berkeley from where he pitches headlong into a hedonistic pursuit of the American Dream! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Should be a Classic
I read this masterpiece over 10 years ago and it remains one of the best novels that I have ever read. I have been a fan of the author ever since. If you need something to read over a long weekend, or during the Christmas holiday, pick up a copy. ... Read more

Product Description
Giving Birth, Finding Form
By Alice Walker, Isabel Allende, Jean Shinoda Bolen

Three eminent writers and strong women join in this once-in-a-lifetime dialogue about giving birth to life, to love, and to art. Share in this meeting as Alice Walker, Isabel Allendé, and Jean Shinoda Bolen unravel their lives from their books – and illustrate how creativity can kindle the feminine spirit. Using words and stories like brushstrokes, they draw us into the sagas of their lives. We learn how pain, anger, and sorrow give birth to the treasure that is their writing. Giving Birth, Finding Form offers precious words of inspiration for all people struggling to express their creativity – spiced with many stories from the lives of these award-winning writers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Tea for Four
Listening to this tape is like sitting across the table having tea with these three wise and wonderful women. They bring their insights into life from different cultures, and yet show how much we all share. You will absolutely love this tape. Listening to any one of these women is a fabulous experience, and here that is compounded.

Uplifting and enjoyable
One does not have to be Alice Walker's, Isabel Allende's or Jean Bolan's admirer to listen to this tape.The language, sincerity and humor are simply irresistable.I would recommend this tape to everyone - not only women.Men can learn a lot from these three wonderful writers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Isabel Allende: Vida y espiritu
Un apasionante libro sobre la vida a la obra de la autora mas destacada de las letras latinoamericanas contemporaneas. Celia Correas Zapata ha conseguido trazar la trayectoria vital y literaria de Isabel Allende en su propia voz al hilo de una serie de entrevistas que nos desvelan su vida, su entorno familiar y la genesis y creacion de sus principales titulos. Desde su infancia junto a su madre Panchita, su primera lectora y critica de sus libros, pasando por el descubrimiento de historias y personajes que luego se reflejarian en su narrativa, hasta el analisis de su obra, su concepcion de la literatura, el exito, la tragedia de su hija Paula, su vida cotidiana...

Isabel Allende: Vida y espiritu permite por primera vez entrar en la intimidad de la gran autora chilena, la mujer de carne y hueso que firma obras que sacuden las fibras intimas de millones de lectores en todo el mundo. En definitiva, he aqui a la verdadera Isabel Allende, la que todos queriamos conocer.
--- from book's back cover ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

FASCINATING ANDCOMPLEX
Set in the French colony that will later become Haiti and using the revolt of 1804 plus several historical figures in her narrative the multi talented Isabel Allende relates the story of Zarite, called Tete.Her life is a mirror in which we see reflected the horrors of slavery, and the brutality of the lives endured by those who worked on the sugar cane plantations.

Tete is the mulatto daughter of a mother she never knew and a white sailor.When Toulouse Valmorain arrives in 1770 he intends that his visit will be brief.However, he inherits his father's vast holdings - plantations and hundreds of slaves.He buys Tete as his wife's slave little knowing how their lives will intertwine.Days are perilous during the slave revolt and although Tete hates her master she has borne him two children, so she escapes with him to New Orleans to protect her offspring.

It is there in an entirely different world that Tete attempts to create a life for herself.

As is her wont Allende has created complex, fascinating characters, unforgettable people whose lives have been caught up in situations not of their own doing.Tete' is a remarkable figure, struggling against almost insurmountable mores and odds.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Beautifully Told Story of an Interesting Life
Isabel Allende by Mary Main is a most interesting book. Ms. Allende has lived a fascinating life and triumphed over adversity. What makes this book so special is its balance between talking about Allende's work, and the telling of her life story. The author's tone is informative, interesting and compelling. This book would be an excellent choice for anyone- adult or child- interested in learning more about Isabel Allende.
I highly recommend it.

Isabel Allende
Mary Main knows how to tell a story-an especially valuable gift when it comes to writing biography. The author captures the spirit of Isabel Allende, from her early years in Peru and Chile to her life in America. And along the way, she shows us what it is like to create a great novel and how it is possible to overcome suffering and live with grace. This is a compelling and stunning book, one that's guaranteed to intrigue young readers.

Well-written, interesting biography
This biography is easy to read and very interesting.Allende has led an unusual life battled by political conflicts, and personal growth.I think anyone would find her life story of interest even if you are not a fan of her books.I read the book in a few hours, it is fast paced and easy.Good for kids and will keep an adult's interest as well.

Intrigue, Love, & Tragedy
Isabel Allende was born in 1942, in Lima, Peru, and lived in many countries, until becoming a permanent resident and citizen of the United States.After twenty years as a journalist, Isabel became an award-winning author of children's fiction, memoirs, short stories, and novels that run the gamut from enchantment to tragedy.

A stanch feminist viewpoint and intimate family bond became Allende's inspiration for writing.Tragic events such as the sickness of her adored grandfather and a coma that imprisoned her beloved daughter stirred Isabel to write daily about her life and family.Isabel's boundless enthusiasm is evident in the magic of her writing.

With skill and candor, biographer Mary Main portrays Allende as a passionate woman, loving mother, and gifted author.This biography entices the reader to explore the books of Isabel Allende. ... Read more

Product Description
Machu Picchu, one of those talismanic places that everyone dreams of visiting, is celebrated here in the visually stunning photography of Barry Brukoff that evokes the mystery and spiritual atmosphere of this sacred lost city. Interwoven with the images is Pablo Neruda's epic poem "Heights of Machu Picchu" that has been described as "one of Neruda's greatest poetic works." The book is a bilingual edition: a sparkling new English translation of Neruda's poem by noted translator Stephen Kessler runs side by side with the original Spanish. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Buyer Beware: Only buy it at the Used Prices
From the reviews and the illustration, one expects the book format to be spectacular. However as priced new at $140 - $180 dollars, the type media is not supported by it's new price. Enjoy all of the comments above at a $45 - $65 range new, anything paid above that range will result in severe disappointment when the end product is received.

Excellent Product and service
Wish he had another copy. The book was in excellent condition and service was Prompt

A work of art
This book about Machu Picchu in Peru is not a guide for tourists. It is a work of art drawn from the talents of two men who visited Machu Picchu many years apart. Specifically, it is an integrated collection of exceptional photographs of the site by Barry Brukoff combined with the eloquent poetry of Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize winning poet from Peru, based on his visit to Machu Picchu 50 years before that of the photographer. For readers who do not know Spanish, the language of the original poetry, there is an excellent accompanying translation into English. That is also true of a beautiful introduction by Isabel Allende, the famous Peruvian author. If you have never visited this site, the book will still be very interesting. If you have, the book will take you back to the deepest feelings and impressions you had when you did so.

Machu Picchu
Purchased this book after just getting back from our first trip to Peru and Machu Picchu. Wonderful photographs. Pablo Neruda's poem, "Heights of Machu Picchu", helped to bring even more meaning to our Machu Picchu's memories. This text is a wonderful way to enhance your experience of actually being at Machu Picchu. It also makes a great coffee table item.

splendid photography
Barry Brukoff has done a truly fine job of capturing the essence of Machu Picchu. I've told many that you cannot convey the feeling of this place in photos, but Brukoff proves that you can.His photos made me feel as though I was back there, discovering the majesty of the site and indulging in a leisurely and personal exploration of the details that delighted me during my visit, details that those on quick tourist jaunts usually miss.Visually, this book is five stars.Neruda's poetry, however, missed the mark for me. An earlier reviewer picked out the best of it and included those lines in his review (see below).I only wish it all worked that well.Personally, I would have preferred excerpts from Neruda's work and excerpts from the writings of Hiram Bingham (Bingham was the man who discovered the site in 1911). ... Read more