Isabel Allende is one of the world's most beloved authors. In 1988, she introduced the world to Eva Luna in a novel of the same name that recounted the adventurous life of a young Latin American woman whose powers as a storyteller bring her friendship and love. Returning to this tale, Allende presents The Stories of Eva Luna, a treasure trove of brilliantly crafted stories. Lying in bed with her European lover, refugee and journalist Rolf Carlé, Eva answers his request for a story "you have never told anyone before" with these twenty-three samples of her vibrant artistry. Interweaving the real and the magical, she explores love, vengeance, compassion, and the strengths of women, creating a world that is at once poignantly familiar and intriguingly new. Two words—Wicked girl—Clarisa—Toad's mouth—The gold of Tomás Vargas—If you touched my heart—Gift for a sweetheart—Tosca—Walimai—Ester Lucero—Simple María—Our secret—The little Heidelberg—The judge's wife—The road north—The schoolteacher's guest—The proper respect—Interminable life—A discreet miracle—Revenge—Letters of betrayed love—Phantom palace—And of clay are we created