Paula - Softcover

Allende, Isabel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061564907 ISBN 13: 9780061564901

Publisher: Perennial, 2008

Synopsis

When Isabel Allende's daughter, Paula, became gravely ill and fell into a coma, the author began to write the story of her family for her unconscious child. In the telling, bizarre ancestors appear before our eyes; we hear both delightful and bitter childhood memories, amazing anecdotes of youthful years, and the most intimate secrets passed along in whispers. With Paula, Allende has written a powerful autobiography whose straightforward acceptance of the magical and spiritual worlds will remind readers of her first book, The House of the Spirits.

About this title

Review:

'Allende's best work to date...she has everything it takes: the ear, the eye, the mind, the heart, the all-encompassing humanity.' New York Times

'Allende's writing is so vivid we smell the countryside, hear the sounds, see the bright birds, smell and even taste the soft fruit. Moving through Paula's last days, we enter that world, and share it, gladly, sadly, gratefully, and ultimately changed by the very reading of it.' Julia Neuberger, The Times

'This is a tender, moving and vivid record of a mother's agony at the bedside of her daughter. “Paula” begins as a long letter as a way of giving her back the life that is ebbing away...the result is a mesmerizing story. In flawlessly rich prose Allende shares with us her most intimate feelings...an emotionally charged, spellbinding memoir.' Washington Post

'Allende brings the natural storytelling power so evident in her novels to this courageous testament. She shares her personal tragedy with a warmth and passion that make “Paula” exceptional.' Sunday Express

From the Back Cover:

In December 1991, Isabel Allende's daughter Paula fell gravely ill and sank into a coma.

'Allende's best work to date... she has everything it takes: the ear, the eye, the mind, the heart, the all-encompassing humanity.'
NEW YORK TIMES

'Allende's writing is so vivid we smell the countryside, hear the sounds, see the bright birds, smell and even taste the soft fruit. Moving through Paula's last days, we enter that world, and share it, gladly, sadly, greatly, and ultimately changed by the very reading of it.'
JULIA NEUBERGER, 'The Times'

'This is a tender , moving and vivid record of a mother's agony at the bedside of her daughter. 'Paula' begins as a long letter as a way of giving her back the life that is ebbing away... the result is a mesmerising story. In flawlessly rich prose Allende shares with us her most intimate feelings... an emotionally charged, spellbinding memoir.'
GABRIELLA DE FERRARI, 'Washington Post'

'Allende brings the natural storytelling power so evident in her novels to this courageous testament. She shares her personal tragedy with a warmth and passion that make 'Paula' exceptional.'
CLARE BRISTOW, 'Sunday Express'

About this edition

• Publisher: Perennial
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0061564907
• ISBN 13: 9780061564901
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 330