Earlier today I received a text message letting me know that author Isabel Allende had been given this year’s National Chilean Literature Prize. She is only the fourth woman to be given the award since its creation in 1942.

And yet her recognition isn’t without controversy. Some critics have labeled her writing, ranging from memoirs to short stories to novels and even a cookbook, as being too commercial and not “literary” enough.

Personally, I read pretty much everything Allende publishes and have given mixed reviews on her work, especially some of her more recent stuff but there is a difference between wavering quality of literature and being a sell out, which is what it seems like some critics are accusing her of being. Even with her massive commercial success, I think that Allende’s early works, especially Paula, that is a memoir of the 1973 coup wrapped in the narrative of Allende’s dying daughter, in and of itself deserves a Chilean award for how it reflected that time and place.

I also wonder the role that exile plays here. Allende, to my knowledge hasn’t lived in Chile continuously since leaving post the 1973 coup. Is the critique also a critique of her Chilean status? Can a woman author who has spent so much time outside her home country claim a national award from that place? I think so but I also think that this may play a role in some of the resentment being seen and heard in the Chilean popular media.

Regardless, felicidades Isabel Allende on your award.

Via / AFP

Image Via / advencap