My Name is Emilia Del Valle

My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

From internationally bestselling author Isabel Allende comes My Name Is Emilia del Valle—a sweeping, romantic, and deeply feminist historical novel set across 19th-century California and Chile. In 1866 San Francisco, a child is born from scandal: Emilia del Valle, daughter of an Irish nun and a Chilean aristocrat. Raised by a devoted stepfather, Emilia grows into a fiercely independent woman, unwilling to conform to the roles society expects of her.

At just seventeen, she begins publishing sensational fiction under a male pseudonym, but her thirst for truth and adventure soon leads her into journalism. Hired by The Daily Examiner, Emilia partners with the ambitious reporter Eric Whelan. Their connection deepens as they pursue bold stories together—but Emilia’s wanderlust won’t rest. When a civil war breaks out in her father's homeland of Chile, she volunteers to cover the conflict, seeking answers about her roots and her own place in the world.

As Emilia faces the chaos of war, confronts her estranged father, and falls in love amidst danger, she must reckon with identity, loyalty, and what it means to choose your own destiny. With Allende’s trademark lyricism and passion for untold histories, My Name Is Emilia del Valle is a story of courage, love, and resilience in the face of upheaval.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction with strong female leads, epic romances, and stories that explore family, politics, and personal transformation across continents.