My Name Is Emilia del Valle

A Novel

De: Isabel Allende, Frances Riddle

Narrado por: Coral Peña, Johnathan McClain

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In this “stunning” (People), “riveting” (Entertainment Weekly) historical novel, a young writer journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father—and herself.

“All of Allende’s books, My Name Is Emilia del Valle included, have the epic feel of a major Hollywood film.”—Associated Press

In San Francisco in 1866, an Irish nun, abandoned following a torrid relationship with a Chilean aristocrat, gives birth to a daughter named Emilia del Valle. Raised by a loving stepfather, Emilia grows into an independent thinker and a self-sufficient young woman.

To pursue her passion for writing, she is willing to defy societal norms. At the age of seventeen, she begins to publish pulp fiction using a man’s pen name. When these fictional worlds can no longer satisfy her sense of adventure, she turns to journalism, convincing an editor at The Daily Examiner to hire her. There she is paired with another talented reporter, Eric Whelan.

As she proves herself, her restlessness returns, until an opportunity arises to cover a brewing civil war in Chile. She seizes it, as does Eric, and while there, she meets her estranged father and delves into the violent confrontation in the country where her roots lie. As she and Eric discover love, the war escalates and Emilia finds herself in extreme danger, fearing for her life and questioning her identity and her destiny.

A riveting tale of self-discovery and love from one of the most masterful storytellers of our time, My Name Is Emilia del Valle introduces a character who will never let hold of your heart.

©2025 Isabel Allende (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A deeply researched historical adventure, excavating both romantic and journalistic exploits with verve and passion . . . The upheaval that Emilia del Valle recounts in 1891 is our clarion call in 2025.”—The Washington Post

“Bestselling author Isabel Allende has crafted yet another spellbinding narrative in My Name Is Emilia del Valle, a historical novel about self-discovery, ambition, and destiny.”—Harper’s Bazaar

“Isabel Allende never fails to deliver on the sweeping and spellbinding front. Her latest historical novel is about an ambitious young aspiring writer who goes after her dreams—much like Allende herself did.”—Today

Story of an amazing woman! Unafraid and full of wonder. A reporter in a Chilean civil war.

This woman endured much saw war and was beaten and put in prison and went to a piece of land in southern Chile. This is another incredible story of an extraordinary woman like others who populate Isabel Allende novels.

History Text

Too much narration about the unrest in Chile.Sometimes read like a text book. I had trouble caring about the characters.

Great story

The story was compelling. Allende always is. Perhaps in the translation some things were lost. Did they use the word “kids” for children in the late 1800’s? Was the verb “gifted” used at that time? I think not. The narrater had that annoying Peppa Pig way of leaving out the “t” in words such as mountain (moun-un), certain (cer-un) and the like. Drove me crazy but otherwise she had a lovely voice.

As expected

Another experience of learning through the fiction and joy. Education system should start including Isabel Allende in their programs.

Descriptions of places and recollections of times and experiences

Isabel is always so powerful with her in-depth descriptions of personalities and historical recollections of events. A pleasant read indeed.

Must Read

Such a great story. I love the main character and her strength. It’s absolutely worth the read

rich, detailed

A perfect historical fiction. It took me to another time and culture. I'm driven to learn more about the Chili Civil War.

my name is Emilia

i am a fan of Isabel Allende as a chilean stablished in usa for more than 50 years her books are a link to many memories of my country but this book was remarkable well documented. Thanks Isabel
for a beautiful story. Congratulations
Eliana Zanzo
4lawrence way Cedar grove Nj 07009❤️👋

Stubborn

once again Isabel Allende portraits another woman of Del Valle family that will risk her life to accomplish her journey and fulfill her very free spirit in a very stubborn way (in my opinion). very selfish and of course very lucky to survive and conquer love. I loved it.

My name...is Emelia.....del Valle

I have learned about the Spanish Civil War of 1891 though the experiences of a Emilia Del Valle, who worked through her mother's trauma and bitterness, finding release in being a Del Valle and being aided by the Mapuche in the depths of an Aurucania forest in the southern end of Chile. The story is held together by the love between Emelia and those who played roles in her independent and adventurous life. The narrator seems to be fluently bilingual but I don't know why she chopped her sentences ....like..... a piece of wood.... into....pieces .....
I had to get past her choppy delivery to listen to the story.