Journal of a Residence in Chile During the Year 1822, and a Voyage from Chile to Brazil in 1823

What a woman! Adventurous, artistic, courageous and literary. Graham arrives in April 1822 bereft of her “indulgent friend, companion and husband.” En route from England to Valparaiso, Graham’s husband, Captain of the ship, Doris, died at sea. See Journal of a Voyage to Brazil. Captain Graham appears to have been sent by England to protect English merchants in South America. She begins to rebuild her life by exploring the land and meeting the people. Much of what you want to know about the Valparaiso, Santiago and politics in early 1820’s is here; what the Chilean/Spanish classes discussed, dined, wore and were entertained by—flora and fauna walks, horseback riding, visiting, picnics, balls with dancing, cards and gambling. She includes how the peasants lived, ate, dressed and worked. All this in midst of Chile attempting to gain and maintain their independence. Maria Graham had sympathetic and powerful friends even in Valparaiso including her friend Lord Cochran, Vice-Admiral of the Chilean Navy. She describes the earthquake of 1822 just as she was leaving Chile for Brazil. On Jan. 1823, she boards Lord Cochran’s ship, but has one more stop to explore and draw—one of the Juan Fernandez Islands before reaching Cape Horn. Illustrations by Graham, Footnotes by Graham and the editor are ample and well-researched. Postscript. Selected Bibliography and Index. Reading suggestions for Chile: Ines of My Soul. 16th c. well-researched historical fiction. Cochrane the Real Master & Commander. Cochrane’s exploits

Maria Graham lived at a fascinating period in South American history and had the opportunity to personally know many of Chile's early heroes. I'm enjoying the read immensely. I think my one criticism is the literary introduction which attempts to be high-falutin' academic where it COULD have been interesting!

This is a diary of incredible woman's story from 1822, when she was widowed on route to Chile and 1823 when she was in Brazil. It is of the time of the Monroe Doctrine. The commentaries are well written.

Fascinating personal account on an impressive woman. She clearly had 'feelings' for Bernardo O'Higgins but once you aim off a bit for this, he story is amazing.