Emilia del Valle is a curious character, who is the daughter of an Irish nun and a Chilean man - Emilia, who is stubborn and independent, grows up to be a journalist and covers the Chilean civil war. I found the storyline in Chile to be very potent, interesting and realistic.
The earlier life of del Valle and the bits about after the war were slightly less interesting, as I connected more with Emilia when she was in Chile.
Overall, a great read by the great writer.
3.5-4 stars.

I have been reading the novels of Isable Allende with respect admiration and pleasure for over forty years.

My name is Elmilia del Valle is, like the Long Petal in the Sea and The Wind Knows My name, more of a straightforward historical novel.

At times the writing is sublime as is her characterisation of some of the minor characters. For me, there are tiems when there is too much historical detail with the blow by blow accounts of battles and movements of ships.. For a Chilean audience that might be just perfect.

Even if I found it hard going at times it is definitely worth reading. Emilia is certainly some heroine! But, if you are new to Isabel Allende and enjoy an historicl novel I would start with a'A Long Petal in the Sea' a wonderfully ambitious and humane novel.

If you want to start early on in her career. It is the House of Many Spirits