Isabel Allende's speech after winning the Planeta Prize explains why she is returning to 'The House of the Spirits': "I feel the same fear that forced me to leave my country"

Chilean author Isabel Allende has won the 75th edition of the Premio Planeta, a literary award endowed with one million euros. The winning work, titled 'La hora antes del alba', is a chronological continuation of her debut novel, 'La casa de los espíritus'. The award ceremony took place in Barcelona on October 15, with the event presided over by the King and Queen of Spain.

In her acceptance speech, Allende addressed her return to the narrative world of her most famous work, noting that she experiences a sense of fear similar to what compelled her to leave Chile decades ago. The new novel continues the exploration of the country's dictatorial history through its characters, marking a significant transition for the author, who was previously associated with the rival publishing group Penguin Random House.