A review by jeanpatterson2
Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende

5.0

This book is the sequel to Fortune's Daughter as it follows the life of Aurora Del Valle, granddaughter of Eliza Sommers, the protagonist of that book. While both of these books purport to be prequels to House of the Spirit, the connection is a bit indirect. Allende has chosen to write the stories around strong female characters who are loosely related to each other. Allende does provide a genealogy chart that helps to connect the dots that eventually lead to Clara Del Valle, the main female character in House of the Spirits. Her parents, Severo and Nivea Del Valle figure prominently in Portrait in Sepia. Thus, Portrait in Sepia does serve its purpose as the bridge that connects Fortune's Daughter with House of the Spirits. Nonetheless, as usual Allende's prose is beautiful and the story lines keep you turning the page.