Customer Reviews

San Manuel Bueno, martir (Castalia Didactica) (Spanish Edition)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

La vida del personaje principal en esta novela bellisima es una tragedia. San Manuel es un hombre religiouso que no cree en Dios. Sin embargo, el sabe que la gente necesita la fe para aguantar el dolor de sus existencias. El quiere ayudarles a todos, pero para ayudar el tiene que mentir.

Su problema --el problema de la fe y de la razon-- es un cuestion tragica que todos seres humanos deben preguntar. Unamuno nos pregunta estas preguntas tan dificiles como importantes en esta novela miravillosa.

Esta novela corta relata la historia de un cura que, por más que haga el esfuerzo, no logra creer en Dios. Es una novela muy bellamente escrita que te hace considerar una situación muy inusual, de la cual surgen cuestiones profundas de la fe. La leí en un curso de literatura hispana y acabó siendo la mejor cosa de las que leímos todo ese año. ¡Léanlo! Es una verdadera joya de la literatura hispana.

Phenomenal.
This brief novel ("nivola") absolutely blew me away when i read it. Knowing the Kierkegaardian and Nietzschean existential atmosphere De Unamuno was working in, I wasn't quite sure how the catholic angle would fit in, but De Unamuno contines to impress me with everything I read by him. "San Manuel Bueno, Martir" is the best thing I have read from him (also recommended, obviously, "Mist").
Basically what we've got here is a kind of foundationless charity. Instead of turning with Nietzsche violence and the YES (after the collapse of what was), De Unamuno turns here to charity and tradition. Very interesting contrast. Good read. Thought provoking.

Leí hace algún tiempo que Unamuno deseaba creer en Dios, pero desafortunadamente no podía. La fe es algo que o se tiene o no se tiene. No se puede adquirir. Don Manuel, párroco devotísimo y más bueno que el pan, por mucho que quisiera no acierta a tragarse la liturgia y todo lo que ello conlleva, y sin embargo predica la Palabra de Dios como si tal cosa.

Una buena novela, que se debe leer para comprender a Unamuno.

San Manuel Bueno Mártir by Miguel de Unamunu

Unamunu "finds the memoir of Ángela Carballino as the bishop from Renada, Spain is considering the beatification of San Manuel Bueno, the local priest at Valverde de Lucerna.

The story starts when Ángela was a young girl, never remembered her father, since he died when she was young. She lived with her mother and her parochial priest, San Manuel Bueno, became her father figure. "Everyone loved our priest, but especially the children. He always had things to tell us! They were things, not words."

After going to school for five years, Ángela returns home. San Manuel Bueno is more popular than ever. He takes care of the poor, the sick--he always holds the hands of those who are dying until they die--always comforting them.

Lázaro, Ángela`s brother returns from America and he wanted to take the family to Madrid. But the women refused. Lázaro knows is a lost cause, and slowly but surely San Manuel Bueno takes him to church and a great friendship develops between them.

After their mother dies, Lázaro reveals to Ángela the truth about San Manuel Bueno. The priest did not believe in the after life. San Manuel believed that the Church was in the world so that social stability could be preserved--and at the same time it would be the opium of the masses, to give them comfort in the only life they'll ever live. It would also help the poor with their dreams--and with their misery that was all they had. The only sin man commits is to be born--and the only absolution is death. "Life is but a dream," as another great Spanish author said (Calderón de La Barca), and the dream is cured by awakening.

San Manuel Bueno gave comfort and happiness to all his parishioners until his last breath--but with Lázaro--he knew that he had to tell him the truth to convert him. That way Lázaro accepted the Life's truth and became San Manuel Bueno greatest follower, curing the sick and even working in the fields.

Unamunu is one of the greatest Spanish authors. Member of the so call "Generation of 1898," he was a philosopher and a great writer. There are many beautiful metaphors in this novel: my favorite is how When it snows in Valverde de Lucerna--the flakes either flourish in the mountains or die in the lake. Faith is like that. Some are like the mountains--Ángela; and others are like the lake--Lázaro and San Manuel Bueno.

Although Unamunu's most famous novel is Niebla, this has always been my favorite.

No he leido el libro pero a mi me parece
muy interesante...
I have not read the book but it seems
very interesting

Is there an english version for this book