San Manuel Bueno, martir (Castalia Didactica) (Spanish Edition) [Paperback]

Miguel de Unamuno (Author)

Book Description

Series: Castalia Didactica

Don Manuel, por sobrenombre Bueno (apelativo que toma Unamuno de Alonso Quijano, el Bueno), parroco de Valverde de Lucerna, es el personaje central de la novela y una de las mas complejas criaturas de ficcion unamunianas. La novela se organiza en torno a su lucha interior y a su comportamiento para con el pueblo. En don Manuel se condensan ademas muchos de los problemas que inquietaron a Unamuno durante su vida.(De la edicion de Joaquin Rubio Tovar)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: Spanish --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Lectorum Pubns (Juv) (January 1, 2003)
• Language: Spanish
• ISBN-10: 8470394282
• ISBN-13: 978-8470394287
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Libros en español > Infantil y juvenil > Artes y Música
  • #10 in Books > Libros en español > Literatura y ficción > Historia y Crítica > Crítica y Teoría
  • #36 in Books > Libros en español > Literatura y ficción > Clásicos

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book raising a fascinating question., February 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: San Manuel Bueno, martir (Castalia Didactica) (Spanish Edition) (Paperback)

This book consists of the memories that a woman from a small town in Spain has of don Manuel, the town's priest. The woman, Anglea, grew up around don Manuel, whom the whole village worships as a saint. Angela, however, knows don Manuel's one secret -- he doesn't believe in God. Don Manuel continues in the church because it is the best way for him to help the people of his villaige. He continues to preach what he sees as a lie because he believes that the simple people of his village need faith to live. Angela, and don Manuel himself, struggle greatly with the question of whether don Manuel is a saint or a hypocrite. This book raises a fascinating question, and it is worth the effort of reading this short novel just to ponder its central theme. Unamuno, however, also suceeds in showing the reader the great tragedy of the title character's life. The novel is emotionally as well as philosophically rich. Don Manuel Bueno, Martir, is a beautiful and rewarding read.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After the loss of blind faith: firs step, December 30, 2000

By 

Andres M Giampietri (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: San Manuel Bueno, martir (Castalia Didactica) (Spanish Edition) (Paperback)

This is one of the most thought-provoking novels I've ever read. The author presents us with a character who one day discovers he can't believe in god any longer, and thus finds almost everything in his life has lost meaning... His desperation is deepened because he is priest to his village, and is convinced that the loss of religious faith can only bring bad things to people's lives. Thus, he conceals his anguish... To me, the story talks about our constant search for meaning as human beings, about how strongly we can care for each other, about our struggle against failure... And although Unamuno probably didn't intend it that way, I also believe it's a dramatization of how we are capable of identifying with a certain idea or philosophy to such extent that we become unable to disentangle ourselves and reality from it. This conclusion is naturally drawn when you think about other reactions Miguel might have had to his discovery. A book of questions, with plenty of room for readers to search for their own answers.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars magical, May 29, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Narnia. state of insanity) - See all my reviews

This review is from: San Manuel Bueno, martir (Castalia Didactica) (Spanish Edition) (Paperback)

this book was a delight to read. whether it is read in the original language or in english it is by far one of the most profound books i've ever encountered. Unamuno has a way of presenting existentialism in a very entertaing and intriguing manner. the village they live in could be anyone's but at the same time it seems to be suspended between reality and fantasty. it's suspeneded by the myths of the ancient city under water. metaphysics also plays a key role in this novel that covers everythnig from kierkegaard to perception. i strongly suggest this book to everyone.