Career Timeline of Isabel Allende: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 9, 2025

Discover the career path of Isabel Allende, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Isabel Allende is a celebrated Chilean-American author renowned for her contributions to literature, particularly in the realm of magical realism. Her globally successful novels, including 'The House of the Spirits' and 'City of the Beasts,' have solidified her reputation as one of the most widely read Spanish-language authors worldwide. Allende's literary achievements have been recognized with prestigious accolades, such as induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2004, Chile's National Literature Prize in 2010, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Barack Obama in 2014.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1959: Work with the United Nations

From 1959 to 1965, Isabel Allende worked with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Santiago, Brussels, and other parts of Europe.

1965: End of UN FAO Work

In 1965, Isabel Allende's work with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Santiago, Brussels, and other parts of Europe ended.

1967: Editorial staff of Paula magazine

In 1967, Isabel Allende joined the editorial staff of Paula magazine.

1969: Editorial staff of Mampato magazine

From 1969 to 1974, Isabel Allende was on the editorial staff of the children's magazine Mampato, later becoming the editor.

1970: Work in Chilean television

From 1970 to 1974, Isabel Allende worked in Chilean television production for channels 7 and 13.

1973: Play El Embajador played in Santiago

In 1973, Isabel Allende's play El Embajador was performed in Santiago shortly before she was forced to flee the country.

1974: End of work at Mampato magazine

In 1974, Isabel Allende's work on the editorial staff of the children's magazine Mampato ended.

1976: Freelance journalist for El Nacional

From 1976 to 1983, Isabel Allende worked as a freelance journalist for El Nacional in Caracas.

1977: Began writing The House of the Spirits

In 1977, while in Caracas, Isabel Allende received a phone call about her grandfather's failing health and began writing him a letter that would evolve into her novel, "The House of the Spirits".

The House of the Spirits: A Novel

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1979: Administrator of the Marrocco School

From 1979 to 1983, Isabel Allende served as an administrator of the Marrocco School in Caracas.

1982: Publication of The House of the Spirits

In 1982, "The House of the Spirits" was published in Buenos Aires after being rejected by numerous Latin American publishers. It gained significant success and was translated into multiple languages.

The House of the Spirits: A Novel

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1983: End of work as freelance journalist for El Nacional

In 1983, Isabel Allende ended her work as a freelance journalist for El Nacional in Caracas.

1995: Publication of Paula

In 1995, Isabel Allende published "Paula", a memoir about her childhood in Santiago and her years in exile, written as a letter to her daughter.

December 1996: Started the Isabel Allende Foundation

On December 9, 1996, Isabel Allende started the Isabel Allende Foundation in honor of her daughter, Paula Frías Allende, to support programs that promote and preserve the fundamental rights of women and children.

2002: Publication of City of the Beasts

In 2002, Isabel Allende published "City of the Beasts" (La ciudad de las bestias), which became commercially successful and contributed to her recognition.

City of the Beasts (Memories of the Eagle and the Jaguar, 1)

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2004: Induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters

In 2004, Isabel Allende was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, marking a significant honor in her career.

2008: Publication of The Sum of Our Days

In 2008, Isabel Allende published "The Sum of Our Days", a memoir focusing on her life with her family.

The Sum of Our Days: A Memoir

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2010: Publication of Island Beneath the Sea

In 2010, Isabel Allende published "Island Beneath the Sea", a novel set in New Orleans.

2010: Recipient of Chile's National Literature Prize

In 2010, Isabel Allende received Chile's National Literature Prize, a prestigious award recognizing her contributions to literature.

2011: Publication of El cuaderno de Maya (Maya's Notebook)

In 2011, Isabel Allende published "El cuaderno de Maya" (Maya's Notebook), a novel with settings alternating between Berkeley, California, Chiloé in Chile, and Las Vegas, Nevada.