“A Long Petal of the Sea” by Isabel Allende (Chile)

Synopsis

Victor Dalmau is a young doctor when he is caught up in the Spanish Civil War, a tragedy that leaves his life – and the fate of his country – forever changed. Together with his sister-in-law, the pianist Roser, he is forced out of his beloved Barcelona and into exile.

When opportunity to seek refuge arises, they board a ship chartered by the poet Pablo Neruda to Chile, the promised ‘long petal of sea and wine and snow’. There, they find themselves enmeshed in a rich web of characters who come together in love and tragedy over the course of four generations, destined to witness the battle between freedom and repression as it plays out across the world.

A masterful work of historical fiction that soars from the Spanish Civil War to the rise and fall of Pinochet, A Long Petal of the Sea is Isabel Allende at the height of her powers.

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Review

“A Long Petal of the Sea” is a masterful blend of historical fiction and personal storytelling that captivates from the very first page. Readers were transported into the tumultuous backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent refugee crisis. They liked how Allende managed to weave the historical events seamlessly with the intimate lives of the characters. The inclusion of Pablo Neruda’s poetry at the start of each chapter enriched the narrative, offering moments of reflection and adding lyrical depth. Allende’s effortless prose, combined with her vivid descriptions—like the Winnipeg’s arrival in Chile—makes the story both poignant and immersive.

Readers found the characters, especially the narrator and his family, deeply relatable, and their journey from survival to rebuilding a life in a new country both piteous and uplifting. Most felt that the novel strikes a perfect balance between personal struggles and the broader historical and political contexts, providing insights into the Spanish Civil War and the recurring patterns of history, such as the plight of refugees and societal prejudices. One reader, however, wished for more focus on the characters and less emphasis on the historical lessons. Though the ending felt slightly condensed, readers were left with a sense of hope and closure. This is a compelling read that not only educates but also resonates on a deeply human level.

This second book of Season 25 scored 8.7 out of 10.

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Nicola’s Book Club reading list

Season 25 – 20^th anniversary (Oct 2024 – Jun 2025)

“Happiness™” by Will Ferguson (Canada)
“A Long Petal of the Sea” by Isabel Allende (Chile)
“Claire of the Sea Light” by Edwidge Danticat (Haiti) *
“Beyond the Door of No Return” by David Diop (Senegal)
“Happiness” by Aminatta Forna (UK – London)
“No One Prayed Over Their Graves” by Khaled Khalifa (Syria)
“How We Disappeared” by Jing-Jing Lee (Singapore)
“Amnesia” by Peter Carey (Australia)

* The book club favourite
In italics, Nicola’s Coup de Cœur