Daughter of Fortune [Hardcover]

Isabel Allende (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 399 pages
• Publisher: Harper Collins.; 1st edition (1994)
• ASIN: B001QFCJFC
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (404 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,832,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Peru and raised in Chile, Isabel Allende is the author of eight novels, including, most recently, Zorro, Portrait in Sepia, and Daughter of Fortune. She has also written a collection of stories; three memoirs, including My Invented Country and Paula; and a trilogy of children's novels. Her books have been translated into more than twenty-seven languages and have become bestsellers across four continents. In 2004 she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Isabel Allende lives in California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

146 of 154 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic characters in a wonderful tale, February 7, 2000

By 

Debbie Smetherham - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughter of Fortune: A Novel (Hardcover)

This is the first Isabelle Allende book I've read, but it won't be the last. Her characters are absolutely superb - even the minor players are rich in detail and give wonderful depth to the story. Eliza is a strong character who refuses to follow convention, only wanting to follow her heart. I wasn't just reading this story...I was there! I was growing up as a 'lady' with a steel rod in my back...I was aboard a rolling ship heading towards my lost love...My heart cried daily on the journey I was undertaking...I was overjoyed to meet so many wonderful people...and in the end, I smiled in agreement, wiped away a tear, and closed the book. Don't miss it.

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Still a good read . . ., January 11, 2000

By 

A reader (Raleigh, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughter of Fortune: A Novel (Hardcover)

Even though I am one of Isabel Allende's biggest fans, I have to admit that this is probably not her finest work. I would have to agree with other readers - the end is rather abrupt. I have finished every other book Ms. Allende has written feeling like all my questions and concerns about her characters were answered. Her stories are always complete - I guarantee you will walk away saying to yourself "That was perfect - there is nothing more to know" but Daughter of Fortune doesn't quite live up to that, even though it is a wonderful story.

If anyone is thinking about reading one of Ms. Allende's books and hasn't already read one in the past, PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and read her books in order of publication! When you get to her incomparable memoir, Paula, you will really appreciate how Ms. Allende came up with all her wonderful stories. While Eva Luna is probably my favorite work of fiction, Paula is just in a class all by itself - but you really need to be familiar with Ms. Allende's previous work to really appreciate all that is in Paula.

69 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating till the abrupt ending, January 22, 2000

By 

Renee V. Cox (British Columbia, CANADA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughter of Fortune: A Novel (Hardcover)

I am close to the age of Isabel Allende and she always has the power to evoke strong memories of my childhood in Chile. Her writing is vivid and never disappointing, and is, as well, exceptionally well translated into English. Daughter of Fortune is written with Allende's usual flair and has the added advantage of spotlighting an interesting chapter of history involving the many Chilean treasure seekers during the San Francisco Gold Rush.

However,in this case, Allende's unravelling of the plot leaves too many knots intact at the end. Even allowing for the mysteries of magical realism, I have the feeling that the editors of a less well established author would never let her get away with that; the reader is left with the gnawing feeling that Allende tired of her plot: after tossing in several random clues, the author grew bored, lost focus, and dropped the story abruptly.

Since Allende is such a wonderful writer, I would add my voice to those of other readers who would like her to alleviate our frustration by presenting us with a satisfying sequel.