About the book: 2002 / Isabel Allende (b. 1942) is considered the most popular writer in Latin America. World fame came to her after the publication of the novel “House of Spirits,” written in the best traditions of magical realism. I. Allende was born in Chile, and owes her famous surname to her uncle Salvador Allende, the President of Chile, who died in 1973. Article and notes by Viktor Andreev.