Isabel Allende's Newest Historical Novel Tells Familiar Story Of Refugee Life

Isabel Allende discusses her novel 'A Long Petal of the Sea', which is set against the backdrop of historical events like the Spanish Civil War and the journey of the Winnipeg ship carrying refugees to Chile. The novel intertwines real historical facts with fictional storytelling, emphasizing the refugee experience and drawing parallels to modern times. Allende reflects on her writing process, the influence of events on character development, and the role of Pablo Neruda's poetry in her work.

What inspired Isabel Allende to write 'A Long Petal of the Sea'?

• A dream she had about refugees

• A poem by Pablo Neruda

• A historical event involving a ship called Winnipeg

• A fictional story she created

What happened to the Spanish refugees when they reached France?

• They were placed in concentration camps

• They were welcomed with open arms

• They were sent back to Spain

• They immediately traveled to Chile

How did the political situation in Chile change in 1973?

• A civil war broke out

• A peaceful transition to a new government

• The government was toppled with CIA assistance

• The refugees returned to Spain

What role does Pablo Neruda play in Allende's novel?

• His poetry is used at the beginning of each chapter

• He is the antagonist

• He is a fictional character

• He is the main protagonist

What is Isabel Allende's primary responsibility as a fiction writer?

• To deliver a political message

• To ensure the reader believes the story

• To write only about historical facts

• To entertain without any factual basis

How does Allende view the events that shape her life and her characters' lives?

• As predetermined by fate

• As completely within her control

• As random and unrelated

• As out of her control, with only her feelings as a choice

What theme is prevalent in Allende's last three books?

• Romantic relationships

• The lives of famous poets

• The history of Chilean cuisine

• Refugees and displaced people