Book Recommendation: A Long Petal of the Sea, Isabel Allende, 2020

Book Recommendation from Kathy Bruner

A Long Petal of the Sea, Isabel Allende, 2020

The 1930s bring horror to the world and most of all to Europe. In Spain, Franco is doing the dirty work. As he seizes power, anti-Fascists are forced to flee to France and South American countries. This story's two protagonists flee to Chile where they settle, nevertheless keeping in close contact with their homeland. This sweeping historical novel gives a vivid look into both Spain and Chile and, by association, the United States. In 1970, Salvador Allende (a first cousin of the author's father) is democratically elected President of Chile. In 1973, the military moves to oust Allende in a coup d'etat supported by the CIA. Following the coup, and Allende's subsequent death, General Augusto Pinochet assumes power, and oppressive military juntas rule Chile until 1990.

I vividly remember this piece of history, including the shocking smashing of American democratic values by supporting the coup. Author Allende provides us with a "masterful work of historical fiction about hope, exile, and belonging." I highly recommend this book which can be found on the fiction shelves in the Fireplace Room.