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Daughter of Fortune

496 pages, 2020

Takeaways
Description

Isabel Allende's new novel is a gripping tale of a young woman's quest to save her lover amidst the chaos of the 1849 California Gold Rush. Orphaned at birth, Eliza Sommers is raised in the British colony of Valparaíso, Chile, by the well-intentioned Victorian spinster Miss Rose and her more rigid brother Jeremy.

Just as she meets and falls in love with the wildly inappropriate Joaquín Mendieta, a lowly clerk who works for Jeremy, gold is discovered in the hills of northern California. y 1849, Chileans of every stripe have fallen prey to feverish dreams of wealth.

Joaquín takes off for San Francisco to seek his fortune, and Eliza, pregnant with his child, decides to follow him. Eliza embarks on her perilous journey north in the hold of a ship and arrives in the rough-and-tumble world of San Francisco. She must navigate a society dominated by greedy men.

Exploring Cultural Diversity

In Daughter of Fortune, Isabel Allende takes us on a journey through various cultures. From Chile to California, she paints a vivid picture of the diverse societies during the Gold Rush era. It's a great opportunity to explore the world from your couch.

Understanding Women's Strength

The book's protagonist, Eliza, is a strong and independent woman. She breaks societal norms and takes control of her own destiny. This book will inspire you to find your own strength and resilience, just like Eliza.

The Power of Love

Allende beautifully portrays the power of love in her book. Eliza's love for Joaquin drives her to cross continents and face numerous challenges. It's a reminder that love can be a powerful motivator and can push us to do incredible things.

Historical Insight

Daughter of Fortune offers a unique look into the 19th-century Gold Rush era. Allende's detailed descriptions and well-researched narrative provide a fascinating insight into this historical period. If you're a history buff, you'll definitely want to check this out.

Exploring Identity and Self-Discovery

Throughout the book, Eliza embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She questions her identity and seeks to understand herself better. This theme encourages readers to reflect on their own identities and journeys of self-discovery.

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Daughter of Fortune is a sweeping portrait of an era, a story rich in character, history, violence, and compassion. In Eliza, Allende has created one of her most appealing heroines, an adventurous, independent-minded, and highly unconventional woman.

Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey - TV host, Philanthropist

Allende's writing is so vivid, so detailed... She's taken the saga of a young woman and turned it into an adventure of epic proportions.

The New York TimesThe New York Times - Newspaper, Media

Allende's style is to dive, plunge, soar and plunge again. The result is a richly braided novel that juggles big issues with lightness and ease.

San Francisco ChronicleSan Francisco Chronicle - Newspaper, Media

Allende is a genius at storytelling. She has a knack for relating the most intricate, bizarre tales in a natural, straightforward manner that is immensely readable.

Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times - Newspaper, Media

Allende's novel is a triumph, a beautifully woven, engrossing tale of a young woman's coming of age and search for identity.

The GuardianThe Guardian - Newspaper, Media
Oprah WinfreyThe New York TimesSan Francisco ChronicleLos Angeles TimesThe Guardian

Recommendations

1
authorOprah Winfrey, actor and entrepreneur and media personality and author, Recommending BestBooks

Oprah Winfrey

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