Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
I picked up my Filipino friend's copy of this book one summer 20 years ago and was hooked on it almost at once. Bear in mind, I was born in Pennsylvania, and to my discredit, am aware only of a smattering of the history of the Philippines since WWII. I came into this book about the Philippines in the 1800's as a newcomer.
The novel is a bit operatic in its drama and caricature, but from what I understand, Rizal was trying to appeal to his countrymen. He definitely excoriates the Roman Catholic priests in the story. Yet, having recently read THE POWER AND THE GLORY, I cannot fault Rizal's presentation. The two primary villains of the novel are Padre Bernardo Salví and Padre Dámaso, both priests. Salvi is a man consumed by lust and greed, and Damaso is a power-obsessed oppressor of the weak, and a womanizer as well.
The main character, Ibbara, is a native of the Philippines. The story opens with him just returning from seven years in Europe, during which he has been educated. He has everything at the start of the story: education, wealth, and the lovely Maria Clara as his fiance. The first scene in which the two of them are reunited is very touching and sweet, but the reader realizes that the story is setting up Ibbara for a fall.
Over the course of the novel, the reader sees the Spanish-led establishment wear away at the good hearted and honorable Ibarra. In true operatic stye, tragedies keep occurring, and yet there is a ring of truth in all that Rizal is writing. The grandiosity of the plot is counterbalanced by some very witty passages, particularly those about the Spanish characters, and by a tone of determination to tell the story.
Rizal's novel had a unifying effect on his countrymen and was instrumental in the call to make the Philippines self-governing. Sadly, Rizal did not live to see its success. He was arrested and ultimately executed for sedition because of his writings.
The best reason for a non-Filipino reader to read this book is to learn about the heartbreak and cruelty of colonialism. It is engaging enough to hold attention, and the very real situation that the fiction represents is worth understanding.
The novel is a bit operatic in its drama and caricature, but from what I understand, Rizal was trying to appeal to his countrymen. He definitely excoriates the Roman Catholic priests in the story. Yet, having recently read THE POWER AND THE GLORY, I cannot fault Rizal's presentation. The two primary villains of the novel are Padre Bernardo Salví and Padre Dámaso, both priests. Salvi is a man consumed by lust and greed, and Damaso is a power-obsessed oppressor of the weak, and a womanizer as well.
The main character, Ibbara, is a native of the Philippines. The story opens with him just returning from seven years in Europe, during which he has been educated. He has everything at the start of the story: education, wealth, and the lovely Maria Clara as his fiance. The first scene in which the two of them are reunited is very touching and sweet, but the reader realizes that the story is setting up Ibbara for a fall.
Over the course of the novel, the reader sees the Spanish-led establishment wear away at the good hearted and honorable Ibarra. In true operatic stye, tragedies keep occurring, and yet there is a ring of truth in all that Rizal is writing. The grandiosity of the plot is counterbalanced by some very witty passages, particularly those about the Spanish characters, and by a tone of determination to tell the story.
Rizal's novel had a unifying effect on his countrymen and was instrumental in the call to make the Philippines self-governing. Sadly, Rizal did not live to see its success. He was arrested and ultimately executed for sedition because of his writings.
The best reason for a non-Filipino reader to read this book is to learn about the heartbreak and cruelty of colonialism. It is engaging enough to hold attention, and the very real situation that the fiction represents is worth understanding.
challenging
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Emocionante, tocante, e que me deixou bastante angustiada. Adoro romances históricos, principalmente quando narram histórias que desconheço, e este livro fez com que eu me sentisse mal por saber tão pouco. Recomendo imensamente sua leitura por quem gosta de ler sobre a história do ponto de vista de quem realmente sofreu os males do colonialismo. Muito bom, e muito doloroso.
challenging
dark
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fulfills its function as a satirization of the Philippine community and an inciter of outrage. The story, however, was only so-so.
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's complicated to review. It's a really important text which contextualizes a period of history and is oftentimes very profound. It's also written in the classical style and is very obtuse and difficult to follow at times.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this classic from the Phillippines in a slow but steady fashion over the course of three weeks as part of a group readalong organised by @ktlee.writes and @booknerdkat. They did a great job and I’m grateful for their efforts. It’s not a book I’d have picked up - or even known existed - had it not been for the readalong.
Noli Me Tangere is set during the Spanish colonial period and looks at issues such as race, class, gender, religion and governmental power, all within the context of nineteenth century colonialism. There was a large cast of characters to become familiar with and the novel was a bit of a slow burn at first, but the ending was action-packed. The power historically utilised - and abused - by the Catholic Church never ceases to surprise me and it’s depiction in this book was no exception. So much arrogance and malevolence by the priests. The book did an excellent job highlighting the economic, social and political issues in the Phillippines during the colonial period and showed how difficult it was to institute change due to opposition from entrenched interests. I love learning about different parts of the world through fiction and this classic certainly delivered.
Noli Me Tangere is set during the Spanish colonial period and looks at issues such as race, class, gender, religion and governmental power, all within the context of nineteenth century colonialism. There was a large cast of characters to become familiar with and the novel was a bit of a slow burn at first, but the ending was action-packed. The power historically utilised - and abused - by the Catholic Church never ceases to surprise me and it’s depiction in this book was no exception. So much arrogance and malevolence by the priests. The book did an excellent job highlighting the economic, social and political issues in the Phillippines during the colonial period and showed how difficult it was to institute change due to opposition from entrenched interests. I love learning about different parts of the world through fiction and this classic certainly delivered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Torture, Colonisation
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
slow-paced