A Long Petal Of The Sea by Isabel Allende takes you on the journey of Victor Dalmau and Roser, the widow of his brother, as they navigate their way through the Spanish Civil War and find themselves in Chile. The Spanish Civil War takes place just prior to World War 2 and for those on the losing side, including Victor and Roser, there is a harsh migration into France and then time spent in refugee camps waiting for some place to go.  Through the help of the Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, they find themselves on the SS Winnipeg bound for Chile.  Pablo Neruda describes Chile as "the long petal of sea and wine and snow.”

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Victor and Roser's life in Chile is filled with highs and lows but through it all their strength and love for each other and the family they have created carries them through.  I really liked the characters in this book and learning more about the history of the Spanish Civil War and Chile.  If you are a fan of historical fiction you will really enjoy this book!