Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American author who is widely regarded as one of the most influential Latin American writers of the 20th century. Born in Lima, Peru in 1942, Allende moved to Chile at the age of three and grew up in a politically active family. She began her writing career in the 1970s, publishing her first novel, The House of the Spirits, in 1982. Since then, she has written over 20 books, including novels, memoirs, and children’s books. Allende’s works often explore themes of family, love, and politics, and are known for their magical realism. Her books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold over 70 million copies worldwide. Allende has received numerous awards for her work, including the National Book Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is also a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice, and has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1988.