Summary

Allende attributes the success of her first novel to luck because of the few opportunities awarded to women at the time. From the start, her work ethic was impeccable, which bolstered her productivity but imprisoned her. As the years went on, without the pressures of wary publishers, a fledgling public, and her own “superego” (68), she learned to relax, taking more pleasure in the act of writing. “The House of the Spirits” took a world dominated by male novelists and Allende by surprise. She was honored when renowned literary agent Carmen Balcells reached out to her from Spain and promoted her book in Europe. Allende speaks fondly of Carmen, a precious mentor and friend whose generous spirit she admired and wise advice she still follows. Carmen was right that recognition for Allende’s talent would be slow and criticism scathing, especially in Chile, but...