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 AN NPR AND NEW YORKER BEST BOOK OF
THE YEAR 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.
