Blog numero tres.

And here we are again, more discussion of the novel "Daughter of Fortune." I'm now getting into the GOOD stuff :) I am a weakling when it comes to love and romance and restricted love is even better! The way that Eliza falls for Joaqu’ n is so sweet and fairytale like in the sense that he does not come from the same social class and background as she does. For this reason and for the passion Eliza was experiencing her family pulled her away from him, in order to attempt to protect her. Well of course I disagree with their decision and it upset me but it gives to good suspense and hopeful excitement! Eliza fell hard for Joaqu’ n and i know that there is no way that she is giving up on him nor letting her family control her like that in any sense. Eliza obviously thinks the world of her family considering they accepted her into their family and gave her everything and anything she could imagine, as if she was a true daughter of theirs. You can tell she is appreciative of everything they have done but if she ignores their warnings and goes against their requests that will prove and exemplify her growing love and admiration for Joaqu’ n. As a consequence of this secretive love affair Eliza becomes pregnant and is left with the breaking news that Joaqu’ n is leaving for California where gold has been discovered. Coming from a poverty background Joaqu’ n feels its his duty to go there to find wealth in order to support his new family as well as his mother.
Sadly, I don't think he completely understands what he is putting Eliza through. She is now a mother at a very young age and her first love is leaving her. Yes hes leaving with good intentions but that doesn't make it any less hard on Eliza. Can you imagine caring so much for someone like she does and they just pick up and leave. I would feel hopelessly desperate. I wouldn't know exactly what to think or how to live, as dramatic as that may sound. I would imagine that this is similar to how people with spouses or loved ones fighting overseas feel. They have extremely good intentions to protect our country but there is so much waiting, so much uncertainty. Joaqu’ n promises to return in a sense but how can Eliza know for sure. It's just like we all hope our loved ones return for fighting but if they don't the rest of your life is empty and missing something that will never be found. I feel for Eliza, for the fact that she fell so hard for this one man who had little to offer and she put everything on the line and is now left with nothing in return except for a child that she will have to raise alone. It would be hard and i don't know how i would handle myself in this situation of Eliza's or that of a spouse going overseas. Your life is just as much in their hands as their own life. I am intrigued to see what ends up happening with Eliza. I hope she follows him to California to ensure that they are together but I feel like nothing could be that easy. I am Eliza's side and hope that whatever ends up happening with her allows her and her baby to stay safe and protected, not only physically but spiritually and emotionally.

"what matters is what you do in this world, not how you come into it" (pg 11- 'Daughter of Fortune' -Allende

I am now getting more intrigued into the story and history of "Daughter of Fortune." I was intrigued by the story of Eliza, and am being anxious to figuring out her true story. While thinking about the possibilities of her history I was thinking what the history of the importance of the women in society held in the Chilean culture. I was thinking that it may have been similar to the Chinese culture only allowing a certain number of children in family and not being as fond of the women of the culture.
This was my main idea or purpose for why Eliza was left alone to only be picked up by a true loving family. So i did a little research to help me start understanding where Eliza is from. Well I first discovered that the story itself was based in the 1840's. At this point in the Chilean history Chile was in a time of war between the 3 Andean provinces of the old Peru. After three years of fighting Chile comes out ahead. Few years later there is more warfare between the same nations, economically to fight for deposits of nitrates. Surprisingly enough Roman Catholicism was a huge part of the social life in this time period in this nation. In correlation with this family was very important, and celebrating times together. This really threw me for a loop. The war and lack of peace had led me on to see a lack of respect for the daughters because they weren't as useful in the fighting of wars, however it was the opposite; everyone in the family was to be respected and brought together to love. Now instead of understanding more, or feeling a lead to the reason for the absence of Eliza's true family I feel more lost and intrigued. Something quite poignant must have occurred to have broken up the strong catholic family dynamic, and I am anxious to continue unveiling the pieces of the puzzle.


"History of Chile." WorldRover - Country and Travel Guides. Sept. 2010. Web. 10 Feb. 2011. .

"Fortune is what you make it not what you hold onto"

I am reading 'Daughter of Fortune' by Isabel Allende. It is a story that takes place in the 1940's in Chile. Eliza is a young Chilean girl growing up around English family and friends. At this point I am not too far into the novel but I already am enjoying the insightful thoughts of Eliza. I even quoted her once already as my Facebook status :P She just thinks so advanced for her age and situation. I find it interesting that her two 'talents' are smell and memory. I feel like the disconnect between the two of those senses will come back later as a symbolic connection or major foreshadowing. As of right now I'm slightly confused about all of her family and background. I know that her brother is John Sommers and hes a sailor but at this point I'm confused to if he is English or if he is in the same situation as Eliza. I think i just have to read a little more into it, but at this point I'm leaning towards him being English like a the rest of Eliza's 'family.' Then her other siblings are Rose and Jeremy, of which are both English. I am excited to continue reading to discover more/figure out the puzzle of Eliza's mysterious past. Who left her on the door step and why? Does she know them?
I just have a lot of questions I cant wait to discover. The book has captivated my attention to this point- plus it was an Oprah Book Club read so I know I have a good book in my hands ;)