Violeta

One of my favorites, and author of Long Petal of the Sea, Isabel Allende has penned a novel that will sweep you up into the epic story of Violeta de Valle. The caboose in a family of five boys, Violeta faces a life of twists and turns from the very beginning: Her family’s fall from grace that results when her father loses the family fortune leads to a new chapter of poverty in a country where Violeta will make her happiest memories—an early marriage, a passionate affair, becoming a mother. Spanning her century-long life, the book introduces us to memorable characters and gives us a front seat to the politics, romance, tragedy, and triumphs of the 20th century. This is a book to get lost in, perfect for a vacation when you have the time to do just that!