44 pages 1 hour read

Isabel Allende

A Long Petal of the Sea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende, first published in Spanish in 2019 and translated to English in 2020, follows Victor Dalmau and Roser Bruguera from the Spanish Civil War through their exile to Chile, depicting the complexities of war, love, and displacement. Their initial marriage of convenience evolves into genuine love as they build new lives amidst political turmoil, twice becoming exiles due to reactionary forces overturning democracy.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Isabel Allende's A Long Petal of the Sea has captured readers with its rich historical tapestry and vivid characters. Praised for its emotional depth and meticulous research, the novel excels in depicting the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. However, some critics note pacing issues and find the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, a compelling and poignant read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Long Petal of the Sea?

A reader who enjoys A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende likely appreciates historical fiction rich in emotional depth and well-researched settings. Fans of Allende's previous works or Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude will find the intertwining tales of love and exile amidst the Spanish Civil War compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Latin American Literature

Romance

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Class

Immigration / Refugee

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Society: Immigration

Values/Ideas: Fate