Week 3- Free Response

Dear Isabel Allende,

I'm in the middle of your book Daughter of Fortune at the moment. So far I've found the book very interesting and attention getting. However, I wonder how far from history you've taken your writing. Did you do research before writing about the previous century? There are multiple characters who have love affairs. Was this a common occurrence back then? I can't imagine this happening so loosely. Obviously, it is looked down upon and the affairs are hidden, but were they common? I also wonder about Tao Chi'en's childhood. Did you give a true description of Chinese culture and the mindset of the people? They seemed to be very unforgiving, harsh, practical people. But were they really this way?

Other than my questions about the accuracy of the story to the time period, I really enjoy reading this book. My favorite character so far is Eliza. Eliza is such a free spirit and knows herself so well. She does what she wants when she wants and I envy her for such freedom. Sometimes Eliza's free spirit is irritating. She's so consumed with her own wants, she forgets about others. When she leaves to find Joaquin she doesn't even pause to think about her "family" and how they will feel about her absence. Perhaps I'm missing the point though and her unwavering thoughts on one goal is what is so great. She is so determined to reach her goal, she will do anything. Even if this is the point you are trying to make, I still dislike her lack of courtesy and selfless thought. She also knows herself well because she knows how to control herself. I loved how you described her as being able to become invisible. As long as she acts silent and inconspicuous, no one notices her presence. If only people could really do such a thing!

Thank you for this great book! I really hope that the rest can live up to the beginning!

Sincerely,
Megan Fetterman