Isabel: The Intimate Story of Isabel Allende Now Available on HBO Max

Isabel Allende is undoubtedly one of the most significant writers of our times, not only in Latin America but worldwide. Her extensive career and legacy are monumental. She has published 24 books and has been translated into 42 languages. She has sold over 75 million copies worldwide and is the recipient of numerous recognitions, including 15 international honorary doctorates and more than 60 awards in over 15 countries. Her work has been adapted into two full-length movies, plays, musicals, operas, ballets, and radio programs. On top of her literary work, she is also the Founder of The Isabel Allende Foundation, which empowers women and girls worldwide. To put it simply, Isabel Allende has been called the "most widely read Spanish-speaking author" on the planet.

For these reasons and more, HBO Max has released Isabel: The Intimate Story of Isabel Allende, a 3-part miniseries that follows the incredible life of Isabel Allende. The series delves into Isabel's life, her willingness to break all the socially accepted standards of her time, the Chilean dictatorship, her exile, the death of her daughter and much more. Upon seeing the series, Isabel Allende tweeted, "I just watched the three episodes of ISABEL . . . I have to admit that in certain moments I cried and in others I cringed at the bad memories. I recommend the series wholeheartedly."

For those interested in Latin American literature, women's literature, international literature or just literature in general, ISABEL is definitely a must. For non-avid readers, the miniseries is still an excellent opportunity to learn about history, women's struggles, and the story of an unstoppable woman determined to pave her own path despite her circumstances. It gives insight and depth into the life of one of the most iconic literary figures. 

In 2019, Isabel Allende spoke with Latino Book Review in an exclusive interview where she talked about her life's passions, origins and struggles, her writing career, feminism, politics and more. Click play in the following player to listen to the interview. 

Gerald A. Padilla
4/3/2021

Gerald A. Padilla (Los Angeles, CA) is founder and director of Latino Book Review, founder of Jade Publishing, founder of the Festival Internacional de Poesía Latinoamericana (FEIPOL), founder of Latin American Foundation for the Arts. He is co-author of the first children's book in Náhuatl in the U.S., Noyolkanyolkej. In 2017 and 2018, he participated as a juror for the National Scholastic Writing Awards.

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