Customer Reviews

Daughter of Fortune

5 star:		(130)
4 star:		(111)
3 star:		(72)
2 star:		(58)
1 star:		(33)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I'll start by saying that I purchased this book prior to it being selected by Oprah's book club, and didn't get around to reading it until Oprah had added it to her list. I tend to not enjoy the books Oprah chooses - I am not into the touchy-feely stuff she tends to gravitate towards. So, when she added it to her list, I lost my desire to read it. A few days ago, for some inexplicable reason, I took it off the shelf and started to read...and read and read...I couldn't put it down! Isabel Allende is a gifted writer. She posesses the rare ability to manage several plots, weave characters in and out of storylines, and create vivid imagery without overburdoning the reader or overcomplicating the story. I don't want to get into reviewing the plot or characters - what you need to know is that the characters are extremely well developed and tangible, the story is unpredictable (it twists just when you think it won't) and Allende's writing is beautiful. She chooses lovely words, builds tremendous depth into her characters, and draws the reader into the story with her vivid descriptions of events. The story is also well researched, and includes fascinating background information on Victorian English Society, life in Chile during the mid-1800s, life in China during that era, seafarers, and the California Gold Rush. It is so refreshing to see that an author can write a gripping story that also includes factual historical information. Allende has done her homework. Daughter of Fortune is a wonderful read.

This was the first book I've read by Allende and I've since ordered other books by her. Yes I admit I was introduced to her by Oprah and rate this as one of Oprah's better picks. Allende has a great way of dropping subtle hints throughout the book. I love when an author has the ability to take you into a foreign country and make you feel as if you've lived there forever. While others have posted that the characters could have been better developed, I felt just the opposite. I think Allende was able to get across just what Eliza was feeling and what motivated her. I do agree that there were a lot of loose ends and probably the author wanted it this way. I wonder about the possibility of Joaquin and Eliza possibly being brother and sister causing Joaquin to flee to California; I wonder if Tao and Eliza ever married; I wonder what happened when Rose arrived in California....and I'm sure this is just what Allende wants us to wonder about. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes true and believable characters in a setting far removed from the usual.

When I read the first line of "Daughter of Fortune" I had no qualms weather I should buy it or not. She describes the Anglo-saxon world, South American world and Chinese world with such vivacity it feels as though she is actually writing an autobiography. The variation of moods present in the novel ensure excitment, and a sense of guilt came over me when ever I put it down. My first Isabelle Allende, I will now read her earlier works with dedication. In short it's a book I thoroughly recomend, and wish there where more like them.

Isabel Allende so gracefully, and seemingly effortlessly, evokes the times & places of "Daughter of Fortune" that I found myself swept away with the tale, even though this isn't normally the type of novel I'd find myself staying up late with. The characters are colorful, and the settings successfully walk that line between historical accuracy and dramatic license, enough so that after I'd finished the book, I found myself missing it, wishing I had one more chapter to read. There was some lack of dramatic push at the end, as it sort of fizzled to a close, but the chapters leading up to the end (each like a carefully crafted short story), make the read well worth it. Perhaps I was a little affected by having met Ms. Allende shortly before reading this novel, so as I read, I could hear her voice in my head, narrating this romantic, sensual tale. (A very classy lady, I might add). Also, the bits of magic realism (or spiritualism?) in the book add just the right note... making Eliza & Tao's stories truly transcend the typical fare.

Once again, Isabelle Allende has spun a tale of adventure, love, suspense and mystery. Daughter of Fortune begins in her native Chile in the mid 1800's with the adoption of a supposed foundling by an English family of distinction. Eliza Sommers is raised by the Enlgish brother and sister and by the native woman who cooks and runs their household. She becomes an accomplished young lady befitting her station but she also learns native lore and cooking at which she excells. When first love strikes her in the form of a very unsuitable lover, Aunt Rose plans to send her to England. However, Eliza has different ideas and she, with the help of a sympathetic Chinese man, escapes the bonds of society and begins an odyessy that takes her to the California of the gold rush days. Her adventures are somewhat reminiscent of the Eva Luna stories in their picaresque nature and exotic cast of characters whom she encounters. Ultimately, Eliza learns the ways of the world, both good and bad, real and spiritual, and eventually realizes the direction her life must take. There is also resolution of several family mysteries that bring the ending to a satisfying conclusion. This is really a good read, one you can't put down and when you finish it, want to know what happens in the future.

This is the first of Isabel Allende's works that I have read, and I must admit I can't wait to read another. The sensuality of her descriptions captovated me, and I found myself transported to Chile and California in its early days. Contrary to other reviewers opinions, I found that the characters were fascinating, and fully drawn. I especially enjoyed Paulina, the spoiled daughter turned shipping magnate/socialite. I wanted Eliza to find Joaquin, and breathlessly turned each page as she grew closer to her target. yet I also found there were a few too many loose ends. What happened to Mama Fresia, and Mrs. Andieta? Did Rose Sommers ever travel to California? Did John Sommers ever reunite with his daughter? What about Jacob Todd/Freemont--did his journalism career continue with success after the death of his most compelling subject? Did Tao Chi'en continue his efforts with the singsong girls? I think this book screams sequel, because the love between a Chilean and a Chinese is just too compelling to ignore, and could be a novel in and of itself. Overall, Daughter of Fortune was a fascinating and vivid read. It has made me a fan of Isabel Allende's, and if House of the Spirits is that much better, than I cannot wait.

This was the first book I had read by Isabel Allende and it will not be the last. She is an outstanding writer and this book kept me captivated from the very first page. I enjoyed the various characters, especially the bravery of Eliza, the intriguing world of Mama Freesia, Miss Rose who really is not the prude she is made out to be and the lifestyles of Captain John and Eliza's Asian comprade. The story gives wonderful insight into life in South America in the mid 1800's and what one strong willed woman will do in support of finding her lover. The two month trip aboard the ship to San Francisco was exciting and when Eliza does arrive in CA it gave a wonderful description of life in the midst of the gold rush. I found the author's style especially pleasing and very easy to read. She captured my interest from page one! I was sad to finish the book but have just purchased another of her novels--I cannot wait to read that! You will enjoy this book!