My Invented Country Analysis

Isabel Allende’s, My Invented Country: A Nostalgic Journey Through Chile, is her memoir about her native country, yet also sheds light to other important societal roles in Chile. As she passionately writes about her experiences, Allende makes it evidently clear that she loves her homeland, regardless of what troubles the country encounters. Nonetheless, it should be noted that her memoir is solely based upon her memories, and incorporates a sense of fiction to better help tell her story through vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and/or the people she interacted with. Her book was compelling to me as her passion for her country was expressed through her usage of language and descriptive experiences that portrayed her emotions during

Allende was the daughter of a diplomat, which limited her time in Chile. She referred to Chile as an invented country since she wasn’t as exposed to her homeland until later, as she said, “Word by word I have created the person I am and the invented country in which I live.” (Allende 26). Although she expresses throughout the book that she feels as if she does not quite belong, she also expresses her appreciation for her homeland as it has molded her into who she is now. Consequently, that feeling Allende perceives of not quite belonging to Chile is a feeling many can relate to for various reasons. For instance, the indigenous people that inhabit Chile such as the Rapu Nai, have felt like isolated from Chile. Perhaps Allende’s and the Rapu Nai’s feeling of not belonging to Chile differs, the feeling is evident and both have embraced Chile with what they can. Allende embraces Chile by expressing her appreciation throughout the book, while the Rapu Nai people are attempting to build a better relationship with the Chileans. The Rapu Nai people are not fully understood by Chileans as they are still seen as “other”; hence, Allende does not fully understand Chile as she questions some of its social