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"Violeta" by Isabel Allende is a story of a woman's life lived to its fullest!

My first glimpse of this author was listening to the audiobook of her brief memoir "Soul of a Woman" published in 2020. I was fascinated with her life story, and her robust views on feminism, marriage and sexuality.

"Violeta" was published in January 2022 and on August 2nd of this same year, Isabel Allende will be celebrating her 80th birthday. She continues to lead a remarkable life!

Main character, Violeta Del Valle, is born in 1920 Chile, shortly after the Great War and during the Spanish Influenza Pandemic. She is the youngest child in an affluent family, with five older brothers, and lives in a male dominated culture, era, and household.

What sounds like a memoir is actually a letter from one-hundred-year-old Violeta to her beloved grandson, Camilo. As she nears the end of her long and eventful life, she is gifting him with the memories she holds of the turmoil and passion of living her life to its fullest!

The history this main character sees, experiences and retells to her grandson is beautifully written as this author writes with her heart and soul about Violeta's life. She weaves a story that is vivid and dark, joyous and heartbreaking, pleasurable and painful, fulfilling and disappointing. It feels so personal and emotional, as if the author may have experienced some of this life, as well.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Frances Riddle whose voicing skills are believable as she authentically becomes the character of Violeta. With 13 hours of listening time, it never feels too long, repetitive, or slow.

I love this story and have purchased two more of this author's books. I plan to continue through her backlist until I reach the end. And, I hope there are more books yet to be written!

I highly recommend this book!