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