Reviews

The Reign of Greed by José Rizal

sammerry's review against another edition

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5.0

Very nice book! Though I must say, Isagani is such a simp

gwyyy's review against another edition

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4.0

Reading this for an assigned task in class

"Pinabayaan natin ang kasamaan kaya't katulong tayo sa paglikha nito. Ang kalayaan ay 'di natin dapat tuklasin sa tulong ng patalim. Tuklasin natin ito sa tulong ng nagpapataas ng uri ng katwiran at karangalan ng tao. Gumawa tayo ng mabuti, tapat at marangal hanggang mamatay tayo dahil sa kalayaan." - Padre Florentino


El Filibusterismo is a sequel to Noli Me Tangere. The novel is a critique of the Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines, and it explores themes such as social injustice, corruption, and the struggle for freedom. Rizal portrays the exploitation and oppression of the Filipino people by the Spanish authorities and their collaborators, highlighting the plight of the poor and marginalized. The novel also shows the complex dynamics of colonial society, where some Filipinos are complicit in perpetuating the system of oppression while others resist it.

Another strength of the novel is Rizal's masterful use of symbolism and allegory to convey his message. The characters and events in the story are not only meant to be read literally, but also represent deeper social and political realities. For example, the character of Simoun, who seeks revenge against the colonial government, can be seen as a metaphor for the revolutionary movement that Rizal himself supported.

Though I find the story too dense and difficult to follow, especially since it includes a large cast of characters and multiple plotlines.

mal_auri's review against another edition

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5.0

I can't give it less than this because it's a historical classic and it was literally based on events of that time. I can say I was so hesitant to read it because you know "ew it's a school reading" I'm happy I finished it, it was a good book and now I feel like I should finish reading noli me tangere too. TIME TO DO MY ASSIGNMENT FOR IT!

__dan__'s review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

📚 El Filibusterismo by Dr. Jose Rizal 📚

Simoun has a plan: to decimate the people that represent the tyranny of Spain, to make them pay for his misfortunes that begun with the lonely death of his father, and to take back his beloved Maria Clara. Simoun the jeweler, Simoun the Capitan General’s confidant is a destabilizer. Yes, Simoun is Juan Crisostomo Ibarra.

Thirteen years after the tales of Noli Me Tangere, the idealistic Ibarra morphed into the mysterious and cunning Simoun. Reasoning with those who have been wronged by the government and religion of Spain, he formed his own small group of minions to enact a dreadful plan on an important day in Manila. He has turned into a monster, willing to do anything to free his motherland from the monster that is the Spanish regime.

El Filibusterismo tells the story of a rabid prey whose hands fearfully grip a weapon not realizing that in their fight for freedom they, too, have become a predator. 3.7/5 ⭐️

emmakowalski's review against another edition

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4.0

ibarra corruption arc

breadandmushrooms's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

zaisgraph's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Basilio u lil idiot 

gaiusaugustine's review against another edition

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jose rizal outsold

autumnk3lly's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

pola_reads's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.5