Long Petal of the Sea: A Novel Paperback – 6 April 2021

A Long Petal of the Sea is a historical fiction novel (with no elements of magical realism), a family saga spanning from 1936 to 1994. Based on the true events of the ship Winnipeg which carried over 2,000 Spanish refugees from France to Chile in 1939 organized by the poet Pablo Neruda, the story follows the lives of a young doctor Victor Dalmau and his wife Roser. While the story is fictional, the book provides a realistic account of the Spanish Civil War, the political situation in Chile during WWII and after. While I enjoyed learning about the historic events depicted in the novel, getting into the story took some time as I was not much acquainted with these events but 50 pages through I was into the world that Allende has created for the readers. The beauty of words make the story what it is and a gem of the book . The realistic Spanish Civil war and the political situation in Chile during WWII are incredible detailed merged in the fabulous characters that elaborated a mind-blowing story that has dark and light moments!“Pain is unavoidable, but suffering is optional.”

In 1939 when Franco overthrow's the government and the Civil war clutches Spain. Victor and Roser along with thousands of Spanish refugees have to flee from their homeland to Chile, the promised 'Long petal of sea and wine and snow', on a ship Chartered by Pablo Neruda 'The Winnipeg'. A story of love, loss, and finding 'home', all whilst the world around them is fighting. We go through the Spanish Civil War to the Dictatorship of Pinochet. .As the author mentions its a story where the characters are fictional but the events and historical individuals are real. The whole story spans the life of Victor and Roser, how their lives change as they face the Spanish Civil War, French concentration camps, Military Coup.The book is divided into three parts and takes us on a journey from Spain to Chile along with the two protagonists. The situations of the people described during the war and concentration camps were so painful and disheartening. Victor and Roser are two beautiful characters with their own flaws. I loved how their relationship evolved through this whole story, from friendship to something much deeper than love. The book doesn't only focus on Victor and Roser's story but also takes us through the lives of the others around them. The narration was lovely and enjoyable and also easy to understand.This book may have been a bit slow-paced for me as I don't usually read this genre a lot and I really wanted to understand it. The first half of the book does seem to drag along but as the book proceeds all these things change. The end just gave me chills and almost teared me up.

There are two things I loved about this book. First it showed the complete picture of the Spanish civil war, the military coup in Chile and the hardships and friendships witnessed by people at that time. It also very well managed to showcase how ideological differences can impact human lives and can have a long term influence, the repercussions of the world war, concentration camps and most importantly the attempt at survival. The people's lives who survived exile and refuge were highly inspiring. The way they continued on trying to live their lives everyday with a new fervour was something to learn.The second thing I liked about it are the characters. I'm always fond of books where the characters are heavily utilized and are bold and spunky. Each one of the characters had a very unique role to play and contributed significantly to the story. Moreover the role of Pablo Neruda during the Spanish civil war and how he helped thousands of people to start their lives afresh was awesome and very thoughtful. Though the book has been translated but still it tried it's best to capture the real essence of emotions and love.

Spanning a period between 1934 and 1994 this expansive tale of love and migration is an engaging and informative read. Taking it's roots during the time of Franco's rise as the dictator of Spain subsequent to the Civil War and going on to beyond the reign of Pinochet the dictator of Chile the book keeps you riveted. The characters are well etched and developed. The visualization and atmosphere superb. Isabel Allende true to her reputation as a very competent writer has once again pulled off an excellent piece of literature. I loved the ending! Strongly recommended!