Chilean landscape
Ines of my soul is a historical novel by the renowned writer Isabel Allende. Published in 2006, the plot narrates the experiences of the courageous and Spanish conqueror Inés Suárez and her leading role in Chilean independence. It is a true story that tells the adventures, losses and struggles of many patriots in Latin America, especially in the capture of Chile by the Spanish.
Allende carried out an exhaustive investigation into the events that occurred in order to make the work as reliable as possible.. In addition to the notable honor that is paid to Inés Suárez, the book reflects the experiences and disputes of other important figures, such as: Francisco Pizarro, Diego de Almagro, Pedro de Valdivia and Rodrigo de Quiroga. In 2020, the homonymous series to the novel was released by Prime Video, which was produced by RTVE, Boomerang TV and Chilevisión.
Summary of Ines of my soul
Beginning of the story
At the age of 70, Inés Suárez —Also known as Inés de Suárez— begins to write the chronicles about his life. The purpose of writing this kind of diary is for her stepdaughter Isabel to read it and for her legacy not to be forgotten. In addition, the old woman hopes one day to be honored with a monument for her actions.
Europe (1500-1537)
Agnes was born in Plasencia (Extremadura, Spain), in a humble family circle. From the age of eight, her ability to sew and embroider helped her support her family. During a holy week met Juan de Málaga, to whom she was attracted from the first moment. For more than three years they had a passionate relationship. Later they got married and moved to Malaga.
After two years without being able to conceive, their marriage turned hostile. Juan decided to follow his dreams and ventured to the New World, she returned to Plasencia, where she received some news of him from Venezuela. After a long wait, Inés obtained royal permission to reunite with her husband. He embarked on America in search of him and the independence that he so longed for.
Beginnings in America (1537-1540)
After several journeys, Inés arrived at the port of Callao in Peru, soon he went with the friars to the City of Kings (now Lima). There she inquired about her husband, and finally found A soldier who knew him, this told him that Juan had died in the battle of Las Salinas. From there, Inés decided to go to Cuzco in search of answers to the unknowns about her late husband now.
Word soon spread that the widow was in those lands, for this reason, the Marquis Governor Francisco Pizarro wanted to meet her. After questioning Inés —who confirmed that she did not want to return to Spain—, the regent assigned him a house to live in. Once installed there, Inés met Pedro de Valdivia, with whom he had a connection at first sight, from that moment both became inseparable.
Valdivia wanted to liberate Chile, just as Diego de Almagro once tried; when commenting to Agnes, she He stated that he would accompany him. They went together to the City of the Kings to request authorization from Pizarro, who, after a period of negotiation, approved the request. A) Yes, both began the adventure through the desert route, accompanied by Juan Gómez, Don Benito, Lucía, Catalina and several soldiers.
Trip to Chile (1540-1541) and foundation of Santiago de Extremadura (1541-1543)
For the trip they used a map drawn by Diego de Almagro, who had created it to be able to guide his return. After months in a caravan, they camped for weeks in Tarapacá while waiting for reinforcements. Already when they were losing hope, a group of men led by Rodrigo de Quiroga along with captains such as Alonso de Monroy and Francisco de Villagra arrived.
Two weeks later, they began the tough mission through the desert. Valdivia, Inés, their men and the Yanaconas managed to reach Chilean lands in five months. In February 1541, and after overcoming several enemy attacks, Pedro de Valdivia decided to establish the city of Santiago de la Nueva Extremadura. Lands were distributed and in a few months the place was prosperous for all.
Attacks on Santiago
En septiembre de 1541, while Valdivia was out of Santiago, Inés alerted Quiroga, for a mass of people was approaching them. Thus began a great fight for the defense of the territoryThey were able to dominate the situation, although the city was left in ruins, with many dead and wounded. Ines had an impressive performance in the fight, she fought alongside the men until the end.
Valdivia arrived 4 days later; Although sad, he encouraged them to start over, shouting: "Santiago and close Spain!"
Hard years (1543-1549)
After Santiago was shattered, they all wanted to return to Peru, but Valdivia did not allow them. Instead, he asked Cuzco for reinforcement to rebuild the city; while that was happening, they lived two years of deep misery. When communication with the Inca country was achieved, they sent supplies and everything began to improve, so Santiago was declared the capital of the kingdom.
Valdivia I was uneasy, well wanted to liberate other territories in Chile —Which were dominated by the Mapuches— and intervene in the events in Peru. Soon, he set off with other captains, something that did not like any of his followers, who were in charge of Villagra. After this man's departureInés felt betrayed and as time passes he took refuge in the arms of Quiroga.
Last years
In 1549, two soldiers from La Serena —Newly founded city—they arrived in Santiago with the news that they had been attacked by the Indians. The uprising would soon overtake them, which is why terror entered the settlers. It was decided that Villagra would go ahead to fix the situation, he achieved a peace treaty, but it was somewhat unstable, everyone wanted the governor to return.
After several months of fighting, Valdivia was able to leave Peru, but soon after he was called by Viceroy La Garza. Pedro had to face many accusations, so he returned to face justice. Although this man proved his innocence, the sentence requested that Inés be stripped of her wealth and return to Peru or Spain.
Inés resisted leaving ChileTherefore decided to marry Rodrigo de Quiroga, since this way he would not lose his property, nor would he have to leave. He swore eternal love and fidelity to this man, who some time ago already took care of his daughter Isabel. They both stayed together for a long time —Until they died — and they fought the Mapuches in their first attacks.
About the author, Isabel Allende
The writer Isabel Angelica Allende Llona was born on August 2, 1942 in Lima, Peru. His parents were Tomás Allende Pesce and Francisca Llona Barros; after their divorce in 1945, Isabel traveled with her mother and siblings to Chile, where she lived for several years.
Isabel Allende.
After the coup in Chile in 1973, Allende had to go into exile in Venezuela with her husband and children (from 1975 to 1988). In 1982, he published his first novel: The House of Spirits; Thanks to this work, he achieved great worldwide recognition. To date, the famous writer has published more than 20 books, with which she has conquered more than 75 million readers around the world.
Some of his most outstanding creations are: The infinite plan (1991) Paula (1994) The city of beasts (2002) El Zorro: the legend begins, Inés del alma mía (2006) Maya's notebook (2011) The Japanese Lover (2015); and his latest post: Women of my soul (2020)
Isabel Allende books
- The House of the Spirits (1982)
- The porcelain fat woman (1984)
- Of Love and Shadows (1984)
- Eva Luna (1987)
- Tales of Eva Luna (1989)
- The infinite plan (1991)
- Paula (1994)
- Afrodita (1997)
- Daughter of fortune (1998)
- Portrait in sepia (2000)
- The city of beasts (2002)
- My invented country (2003)
- The kingdom of the golden dragon (2003)
- Forest of the Pygmies (2004)
- El Zorro: the legend begins (2005)
- Ines of my soul (2006)
- The sum of the days (2007)
- Guggenheim lovers. The job of counting (2007)
- The island under the sea (2009)
- Maya's notebook (2011)
- Care (2012)
- Ripper's game (2014)
- The Japanese Lover (2015)
- Beyond winter (2017)
- Long sea petal (2019)
- Women of my soul (2020)