Daughter of Fortune

Isabel Allende's novel, Daughter of Fortune, is an amazing and inspiring story of a young girl's life and the trials and stormy tribulations she goes through while entering woman-hood.

The story begins in Chile, where the heroine, Eliza Sommers, grows up in her European adoptive parents home. Her childhood is filled with beauty and indigenous Chilean cooking. One sees the amazing spirit and energy she has. Just as gold is discovered in America, she falls in love with Jaqu’n, a wild and flamboyant Chilean. The lure of wealth sends Eliza's lover to San Francisco just before she finds out she is pregnant. Unable to face her parents or be without Jaqu’n, Eliza stows away on a ship headed for San Francisco to find him where she meets Tao Chi'en, a Chinese doctor who becomes her great friend and savior.

In San Francisco, Eliza begins a new life of hiding herself in the medical office of the faithful Tao Che'en and searching for her lost love. Through time, the reader realizes that, her search for an illusory love has turned into a journey of self-discovery. When she finally finds out where Jaqu’n is she must decide whom her true love is.

This book gives a rich glimpse into the past. It is a story of love, hate, trust, lies, happiness, sadness, and compassion. It follows a young girl on a turbulent journey from the expected to the unexpected. Its ending leaves you feeling happy inside and wanting more.

Recently, Isabel Allende published a sequel to Daughter of Fortune, titled Portrait in Sepia. It is the story of Eliza's granddaughter. Although the story is not as captivating, it draws conclusions to many of the mysteries of the previous book and is worth reading.

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Daughter of Fortune

Isabel Allende

New York Times

16 and older

Romance, History, Adventure

400