The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Allende, Isabel. The Soul of a Woman. Ballantine Books, English language translation by Isabel Allende, 2021.

Allende traces back her path to feminism, from the absence of a biological father to her grandfather’s traditionalism and stepfather’s fidelity to the establishment. Her rebellion against patriarchy grew from watching her mother’s dependence on male relatives and listening to her male relatives’ narrow mindedness despite the love she felt for them. After all, Grandfather Agustín did teach her work discipline and self-reliance, imparting his sense of honor. Uncle Ramón enhanced her upbringing with his debate skills and wonderful humor. Caught in between, her mother Panchita regretted not having been in charge of her life, yet worried that her daughter might end up alone. Years later, she acknowledged that Allende had carved a fine life for herself.

Allende feels proud of her gender. Most women seem to share that sentiment though Allende knows she is one of the fortunate few to have experienced both the joys of motherhood and professional success. For a woman to feel valued in other ways than through youth and beauty has been for ages a herculean, if not impossible, task. For the longest time, even Allende was convinced that her average looks were detrimental. Because of Chilean prudery, Panchita never knew her own beauty and though she also created beauty, it was never praised by others. Allende is convinced that beauty inside and out goes hand in hand with sensuality and passion. Leading to purpose, these vital human qualities are the key to youthfulness.

Despite a male-dominated literary scene in the 1980s, Allende was lucky to find her life’s purpose through writing. Her first novel drew criticism in Chile, but thanks to the support of renowned European literary agent Carmen Balcells, received acclaim elsewhere. Generous and thoughtful, Carmen became a staunch supporter and dear friend. She anticipated that it would take time for Allende to be recognized in Chile; in 2010, at the age of 68, Allende received the National Prize for Literature. Far from being a flaw, age is a privilege that can foster appeasement, self-acceptance, and still lead to action. Allende hopes to retain sensuality and writing until the end and advocates for the right to die with dignity.

Allende examines each one of women’s greatest aspirations: safety, worth, peace, financial independence, connection, control, and love. When it comes to violence, she underlines the imbalance between the sexes and the fear it generates. As rape is often used as a weapon, girls and women are the primary victims of war. If peace is too lofty a goal, women should at least be permitted to achieve economic independence. The only way to bring about lasting changes is for women to connect with one another, share their plights, and act together. Women must also have control over their bodies. Allende fervently supports the right to abortion and contraception as did Chile’s first female president, Michelle Bachelet, whom she admires greatly. Allende sees love as the driving force behind womanhood. Fortunate in that respect, she hopes the pandemic will help humanity rediscover the urgency of loving.