How To Academy Podcast Isabel Allende - On the Power of Story, Resistance, and Humanity
Jun 24, 2025
Isabel Allende, a renowned Chilean-American novelist, discusses her latest heroine Emilia del Valle, a journalist navigating the Chilean Civil War of 1891. The conversation intertwines past and present, revealing how storytelling empowers marginalized voices against tyranny. Allende reflects on the moral complexities faced by reporters, the significance of strong female characters, and the role of personal narratives in understanding humanity. She emphasizes the necessity of resisting censorship and celebrates the transformative power of literature in confronting contemporary injustices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Emilia's Harrowing War Experience
- Emilia del Valle, a woman journalist in 1891 Chile, experiences brutal realities on the battlefield.
- Her perspective shifts profoundly from adventure to witnessing violence and death firsthand.
Parallels in Chilean History
- Chile's 1891 Civil War and 1973 coup share striking parallels involving progressive presidents facing military opposition.
- These events leave enduring scars on society, similar to the US Civil War's lasting impact today.
Enduring Scars of Civil Wars
- The US remains divided, with deep polarization echoing scars of its historical Civil War.
- Regional divisions and persistent anger highlight civil wars' long-lasting societal effects.
