Newly Reissued New York Times Bestselling Author When Isabel Allende's daughter, Paula, became gravely ill and fell into a coma, the author began to write the story of her family for her unconscious child. In the telling, bizarre ancestors appear before our eyes; we hear both delightful and bitter childhood memories, amazing anecdotes of youthful years, the most intimate secrets passed along in whispers. With Paula, Allende has written a powerful...

Allende recounts the story of her ancestors and youth while waiting next to her daughter's hospital bedside, and reflects on the challenges and achievements of one family during a turbulent time in Chilean history.