Review: A few surprises in Isabel Allende’s new novel
By hola | Published | No Comments
Isabel Allende fans, be advised: the magical realism expert ventures into new stylistic territory with her latest novel. “Maya’s Notebook” presents the story of Maya Vidal, a young woman whose life is disrupted by the death of a beloved relative. Ensuing confusion leads to her extreme drug and alcohol addictions. As a consequence, Maya is sent to rehabilitate with a family friend on an island off the coast of Chile. She writes in a notebook to unravel the mysteries of her horrific past while learning the importance of friendship and love in a different culture. Allende vividly captures the feelings and actions of desperation in the wake of loss. The novel is extremely graphic to serve that purpose. Allende still manages to tie in bits of magical realism. Unlike her previous writing, “Maya’s Notebook” has a more contemporary atmosphere. It is a raw account with an emotional element that anyone from any culture can relate to. But it may still be disappointing for Allende fans seeking her otherworldly style.
“Maya’s Notebook,” HarperCollins Publishers, April 23, 2013
Recommendation: *****
-Jessica Perry
* Read Jessica’s previous review on Allende’s classic novel, “The House of the Spirits” in our LEER DC section.
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