Isabel Allende on her life as a refugee, the decline of the West and war being a male construct

Isabel Allende has been called “the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author”, known for titles such as 'The House of the Spirits' and 'City of the Beasts'. Her books often put women at the centre, paying homage to some incredible female characters.

Her new book, ‘Violeta’ is written as a letter from a grandmother to her grandson. Violeta, the narrator, was inspired by Isabel’s own recently deceased mother.

Isabel talks to Krishnan about being a life-long feminist, her hopes for a post-pandemic world and her own experience of being a refugee during the civil war in Chile.

Producer: Rachel Evans