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N's Reviews > The Soul of a Woman
The Soul of a Woman
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A reflective memoir full of musings about what being a feminist and writer means for La Allende. This is the first work of hers that I've read written in English. Here are some highlights of this work:
On the generations of women before her:
Allende reflects on generations of women before her who never stood up to the patriarchy, and who didn't dare own their bodies out of fear and punishment from them men in charge. She writes of her mother, "for decades I considered my mother a victim, but I have learned that the definition of victim is someone who has no control or power over her circumstances" (Allende 7).
On beauty and objectification:
Allende writes that "objectification of women is so predominant that we don't even perceive it" (Allende 39). For me it recalls the interviews given by actresses such as Bette Davis, Meryl Streep and Frances McDormand stating that they refuse to go under the knife to remain fuckable. But these women had brains and talent to burn, making it for most women, "impossible to fit into the mold enforced by the market, the arts, the media and social mores" (Allende 38).
On sexuality:
The acknowledgment of pronouns and gender binaries and non binaries are hopeful to Allende. She writes with relief that "fortunately, sexuality is no longer subject to as many rules and classifications" (Allende 53). People of this generation are becoming more empowered to be themselves without having to define themselves through sex organs or genitalia.
On privilege:
Allende writes that she is lucky because of her privilege as a writer that she is able to be with family and to be outspoken about her feminist views and support of the marginalized. She writes with gratitude because of having had Panchita, her deceased daughter Paula, and the successes of her masterpieces "Eva Luna" and "The House of the Spirits", she has been "saved from economic instability that affects a great majority of the elderly. I can enjoy freedom because I have the necessary resources to live the way that I want. That is privilege" (Allende 166).
On Language and the Patriarchy:
Finally, like so many of my favorite writers- Allende affirms and warns readers the power of language, which "is very important because it can determine the way we think. Words are powerful. Patriarchy benefits from classifying people; it makes it easier to exert control. We automatically accept being placed in categories based on gender, race, age, etc. But many young people are challenging these divisions" (Allende 54).
A good teaching tool this is for our young people, and reading the musings of Isabel Allende is definitely most inspiring. I know I am!
On the generations of women before her:
Allende reflects on generations of women before her who never stood up to the patriarchy, and who didn't dare own their bodies out of fear and punishment from them men in charge. She writes of her mother, "for decades I considered my mother a victim, but I have learned that the definition of victim is someone who has no control or power over her circumstances" (Allende 7).
On beauty and objectification:
Allende writes that "objectification of women is so predominant that we don't even perceive it" (Allende 39). For me it recalls the interviews given by actresses such as Bette Davis, Meryl Streep and Frances McDormand stating that they refuse to go under the knife to remain fuckable. But these women had brains and talent to burn, making it for most women, "impossible to fit into the mold enforced by the market, the arts, the media and social mores" (Allende 38).
On sexuality:
The acknowledgment of pronouns and gender binaries and non binaries are hopeful to Allende. She writes with relief that "fortunately, sexuality is no longer subject to as many rules and classifications" (Allende 53). People of this generation are becoming more empowered to be themselves without having to define themselves through sex organs or genitalia.
On privilege:
Allende writes that she is lucky because of her privilege as a writer that she is able to be with family and to be outspoken about her feminist views and support of the marginalized. She writes with gratitude because of having had Panchita, her deceased daughter Paula, and the successes of her masterpieces "Eva Luna" and "The House of the Spirits", she has been "saved from economic instability that affects a great majority of the elderly. I can enjoy freedom because I have the necessary resources to live the way that I want. That is privilege" (Allende 166).
On Language and the Patriarchy:
Finally, like so many of my favorite writers- Allende affirms and warns readers the power of language, which "is very important because it can determine the way we think. Words are powerful. Patriarchy benefits from classifying people; it makes it easier to exert control. We automatically accept being placed in categories based on gender, race, age, etc. But many young people are challenging these divisions" (Allende 54).
A good teaching tool this is for our young people, and reading the musings of Isabel Allende is definitely most inspiring. I know I am!
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Reading Progress
February 17, 2022
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February 17, 2022
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March 2, 2022
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March 17, 2022
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Margaret M - (having a challenging time
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Aug 26, 2023 08:34PM
Fabulous review as always
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Isabel looks more angry as aver. And she's not quite right...
Great review! I have been a fan of Allende’s for more than 30 years now. Thus, I think have read everything she has written! Agreed that this memoir might inspire young people trying to find their way in the world. She has lived her life courageously on her own terms.
