Shriya's Reviews > Inés of My Soul

A very 'Inés' kind of review:

I have been a reader for the last eleven years and am now the loyal fan of Isabel Allende , writing this review of Inés of My Soul in the year of Our Lord 2012.I am not sure whether this review will convince anyone to read this book but I am sure this is one of the best historical novels ever written and Isabel Allende is, undoubtedly, the only writer who hovers between a historian, a storyteller and a feminist.

As a result this book isn't limited to a single genre. It is a historically accurate account of a powerful sixteenth century conquistadora, a feminist novel and a work of fiction. In other words, a perfect amalgamation of fact, fiction and feminism. When you read it, you're a part of it. The imagery is so strong, you can almost feel things happening. You can see the destruction, feel the heat, smell the blood and gag at the dust. And the language is so convincing, you can never separate fact from fiction. You even tend to forget who is writing the story: Allende or Inés herself? The book is so intense, so passionate and so strong that the effect it creates is incredible! In fact, I am not even sure whether Inés of My Soul is a book because it has an identity of its own. It is almost like a living, breathing woman.

How exactly Isabel Allende managed to create such a powerful, beautiful book is impossible to say. For me, it is indubitably the best book I've read this year! It encapsulates three of my most favourite topics in the world: History, Literature and Feminism and it is so well written, I hate to let it go!