Ines of My Soul by Isabel Allende

 Ines of My Soul brings two historical figures whose paths cross in Peru. She is a poor seamstress with no prospects for a better life in Spain and he is a Spanish war hero who seeks honor and glory. They share the same illusions, him of founding a kingdom and her being part of something grander.

The story begins in 1500’s Spain; it is the beginning of the Spanish conquest of the Americas. And Ines Suarez, under a pretext of wanting to seek her husband in the New World whose been gone for a few years, leaves the stifling, poor life in Spain to seek adventure in Americas.

Pedro de Valdivia, a war hero, finds the biggest pleasure in books. After reading of the voyages of Columbus, Magellan, Vespucci, Cortes, and many others, he starts craving grandeur adventures of the New World, and to leave behind a corrupt and war-ravaged Europe.

In Peru, he gets embroiled in a civil war under Francisco Pizarro who names him his field marshal. But he doesn’t want to live in the shadow of Pizarro. After hearing about Diego del Almagro’s expedition to Chile, a dream is set in motion of conquering the still innocent territory of Chile.

When the paths of Ines and Pedro cross, they both make a decision to follow their hearts.

The story vividly portrays many layers of the lands being conquered by Spaniards, the search for El Dorado and the rush to get rich, the clashing encounters with the natives, the lush nature of steaming jungles and unknown insects and creepy animals leading to many outbreaks and deaths, the harsh reality and isolation for those who try to found new settlements. The continuous invasions and mistreatment of the natives lead to further buildup of their resentment.

The characters are richly developed with their ambitions, faults, and passion. Ines a poor seamstress turns to found the first hospital in Chile. She goes on building more hospitals, churches, convents, chapels, sanctuaries, and entire towns. Valdivia, a war hero, despite gaining and losing money, he continues to dream big. He conquers new lands and establishes new settlements.

Written with passion, woven with great skill, and with vivid historical background, the story results in an epic adventure of great conquerors.

Released in 2006 by Harper