Isabel Allende began her book tour to promote her new memoir The Sum of Our Days with me in the studio of KPFA Radio, the Bay Area Pacifica Radio station. In our time together, she discussed her relationship with her son and mother, her experience on the movie set with the VIPs and the things she knows for sure. I’ve read everything she’s published from Zorro to Paula and it was a strange experience to meet for the first time, and have an intimate interview in a small studio setting. I felt I already knew so much about her and yet was surprised by her perspectives and power. She is beautiful and vibrant and soulful. Listen to my interview - it begins at 38:33 on this archive page.

My last question to her was - at this point in your life, are there things you know for sure? Her answer was beautiful, as you’ll hear. After the mics were off, she turned and asked me if I knew anything for sure. She felt challenged by my question I think. I answered that I know people can transform as I’ve seen with soldiers. She looked at me with great understanding and, I think, pity for the pain she saw in my face. When we said good-bye, she shook hands with my producer, turned to me and placed her hand on my cheek. Then, she was gone.

She’s amazing.