Isabel Allende's 'Daughter of Fortune' transports readers to the vibrant 19th-century world of Chile and the California Gold Rush. This sweeping historical novel follows Eliza Sommers, an orphaned Chilean girl raised by British guardians, as she embarks on an epic journey to California in search of her lover, Joaquín Andieta. Disguised as a man to navigate the harsh realities of the Gold Rush, Eliza encounters a diverse cast of characters, including Tao Chi'en, a Chinese doctor who becomes her mentor. Her quest for love transforms into a profound exploration of independence, identity, and the true meaning of freedom, making it a compelling story of resilience and transformation.