I don’t just love this book because of its beautiful cover. I love it because of what it holds inside. From the very first pages, I felt that Isabel Allende wasn’t simply writing about women — she was writing to us, with us, and even through us.
My copy is now full of dog-eared pages, each corner folded down on a passage that spoke directly to my heart.
On page 19, she explains the mythical word patriarchy. Her phrasing is so precise, so fitting, that I had to pause: Yes, that’s exactly it. It’s one of those rare sentences where you feel someone has given voice to a thought you’ve always carried.
Later, on page 75, she reflects on the sea:
“The waves used to feel so rough that I could never relax. Now I allow myself to be rubbed and rocked in the water for as long as it lasts.”
This small image touched me deeply. It feels like a metaphor for life — the younger me often fought against the currents, but today I let myself sway, knowing that I don’t always have to resist.
Page 77 brought me Carmen’s advice, and I underlined every line:
“Don’t forgive yourself for success. Don’t let anyone interfere with your work or your finances. Treat your children like a prince and princess — they deserve it.”
Strong words, yet they carry tenderness. A reminder that strength and love can walk hand in hand.
Then came Sophia Loren’s secret, shared on page 87. When asked how she manages to remain radiant and youthful, her answer was disarmingly simple:
“Be happy.”
And her mantra: posture. Stand tall, don’t groan, and lift your feet when you walk.
Such ordinary advice, and yet so extraordinary in its elegance.
Finally, on page 95, I came across a sentence that felt like a quiet thunderclap:
“Over 40% of our happiness is our own responsibility — the rest is genes and circumstances.”
What a call to action. Even as we age, we remain the architects of our own joy. Creativity, determination, and choice are not privileges of youth; they are companions for life.
And still, there are many more dog-ears in my copy — each marking a place where Allende’s words brushed against my own life experience.
Reading What Women Want feels like sitting across from Isabel Allende herself, listening to her stories, her wisdom, her courage. It is not only a book I admire. It’s a book I carry with me — a companion, a mirror, and a gentle nudge to stand taller in my own truth.
Thank you so much for this beautiful book.
