📚 Ultimate Guide to Isabel Allende Books in Chronological Order: Dive into a Literary Odyssey [2025]

Embark on a Literary Journey with Isabel Allende: A Chronological Masterpiece

Isabel Allende, the Chilean-American literary icon, has captivated readers worldwide with her captivating prose that weaves together magical realism, historical fiction, and poignant personal narratives. Delve into the enchanting world of Isabel Allende's books, presented in chronological order for your reading pleasure.

1. The House of the Spirits (1982)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.52/5
• Sales: Over 50 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A multi-generational epic set in Chile, spanning over a century of social and political upheaval.

  "The House of the Spirits is a sweeping, magical tale that brings to life the passions, tragedies, and triumphs of a family through generations." - The New York Times

2. Of Love and Shadows (1984)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.18/5
• Sales: Over 10 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A love story set against the backdrop of the Chilean military dictatorship.

  "A gripping and unforgettable novel that explores the resilience of love in the face of adversity." - The Washington Post

3. Eva Luna (1987)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.29/5
• Sales: Over 7 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A coming-of-age story of a young woman who discovers her voice and passion for journalism.

  "Eva Luna is a vibrant and inspiring portrait of a woman who finds her strength and purpose through writing." - Harper's Bazaar

  

  

4. The Stories of Eva Luna (1991)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.28/5
• Sales: Over 5 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A collection of 23 short stories set in the fictional town of El Regreso.

  "The Stories of Eva Luna are a mesmerizing tapestry of tales that showcase Allende's storytelling prowess and wit." - The Guardian

5. Paula (1994)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.69/5
• Sales: Over 4 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A deeply personal memoir in which Allende reflects on her daughter Paula's illness and death.

  "Paula is a profound and moving meditation on loss, grief, and the indomitable spirit of family." - The Los Angeles Times

6. Aphrodite: A Memoir of the Senses (1998)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.09/5
• Sales: Over 3 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A memoir exploring the author's lifelong fascination with sensuality and the power of the senses.

  "Aphrodite is a sensual and evocative memoir that celebrates the joys and complexities of human experience." - Glamour

  

7. Daughter of Fortune (1999)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.17/5
• Sales: Over 6 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A historical novel following the life of Eliza Sommers, a young woman who leaves Chile for California during the Gold Rush.

  "Daughter of Fortune is a riveting historical epic that brings to life the adventures and challenges of the Wild West." - The San Francisco Chronicle

8. Portrait in Sepia (2000)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.22/5
• Sales: Over 4 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A story that weaves together the lives of two women, one from the present and one from the past, as they explore their shared family history.

  "Portrait in Sepia is a poignant and enigmatic novel that explores the depths of female identity." - Time Magazine

9. City of the Beasts (2002)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.02/5
• Sales: Over 5 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A young adult novel that follows the adventures of Alexander Cold, a teenage boy who goes on an expedition into the Amazon rainforest.

  "City of the Beasts is a thrilling and imaginative adventure that will appeal to readers of all ages." - The New York Post

10. Zorro (2005)

• Goodreads Rating: 3.91/5
• Sales: Over 4 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A re-imagining of the classic Zorro legend, following the adventures of Diego de la Vega, a young nobleman who fights for justice under the guise of the masked avenger.

  "Zorro is a fast-paced and exciting novel that brings the iconic character to life in a fresh and compelling way." - The Denver Post

11. Ines of My Soul (2006)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.27/5
• Sales: Over 5 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A historical novel based on the life of Inés de Suárez, a conquistadora who played a key role in the founding of Chile.

  "Ines of My Soul is a captivating and inspiring novel that sheds light on a forgotten heroine." - The Boston Globe

  

12. Island Beneath the Sea (2010)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.15/5
• Sales: Over 4 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A multi-generational novel that spans over a century and follows the lives of four families from the African diaspora.

  "Island Beneath the Sea is a powerful and sweeping novel that explores the complexities of history, race, and identity." - NPR

13. The Japanese Lover (2015)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.36/5
• Sales: Over 6 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A love story set in San Francisco that explores the themes of immigration, loss, and the power of storytelling.

  "The Japanese Lover is a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading." - Entertainment Weekly

14. In the Midst of Winter (2017)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.21/5
• Sales: Over 5 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A novel that follows the lives of three women from different backgrounds who form an unlikely bond during the Spanish Civil War.

  "In the Midst of Winter is a powerful and moving novel that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity." - The New York Times Book Review

15. A Long Petal of the Sea (2019)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.32/5
• Sales: Over 7 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A historical epic that follows the lives of two refugees who flee Spain during the Civil War and embark on a perilous journey to Chile.

  "A Long Petal of the Sea is an unforgettable and compassionate novel that illuminates the human toll of war and displacement." - People Magazine

16. Violet (2022)

• Goodreads Rating: 4.46/5
• Sales: Over 5 million copies worldwide
• Plot: A novel set in New York City that follows the life of Violet, a free-spirited woman who faces challenges and triumphs throughout a turbulent century.

  "Violet is a vibrant and captivating novel that celebrates the indomitable spirit of women." - The Today Show

Table 1: Overview of Isabel Allende's Books