Martín Rivas

By Alberto Blest Gana

Book Overview

Widely acknowledged as the first Chilean novel, Martin Rivas (1862) by Alberto Blest Gana (1830-1920) is at once a passionate love story and an optimistic representation of Chilean nationhood. Written shortly after a decade of civil conflict, it is an indispensable source for understanding politics and society in nineteenth-century Chile.
The hero of the story is Martin Rivas, an impoverished but ambitious youngster from the northern mining region of Chile, who is entrusted by his late father to the household of a wealthy and influential member of the Santiago elite. While living there, he falls in love with his guardian's daughter. The tale of their tortuous but ultimately successful love affair represents the author's desire for reconciliation between Chile's antagonistic regional and class interests. Indeed, many critics have interpreted Martin Rivas as a blueprint for national unity that emphasizes consensus over conflict.
In addition to providing commentary about the mores of Chilean society, Blest Gana documents the enormous gap that existed between the rich and poor classes. An invaluable text for its portrayal of contemporary social, political, and class conditions, Martin Rivas illustrates the enriching influence that romanticism had on nineteenth-century Chilean literature.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195107144
• ISBN13: 9780195107142
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A must for a romantic mind

This is the book about romanticism, deep class separation, politics and honesty in the Chile of 1850, The hero shows all the points of his flawless character in the context of a full ethics approach to relationships, It will make an spectacular gift for teens and persons of teen heart because it included a passionate love story with optimistic message for all. Additionally the political events that form part of the novel are real, and will provide a deep knowledge of political forces in a just-born Country.I read it when I was teen, I reread for my fifty birthday, always with watery of eyes.....

Martín Rivas

La literatura chilena es excelente, recuerdo este libro con nostalgia ... volveria a leerlo si lo tuviera en mis manos y tuviese tiempo! Os lo recomiendo desde la primera página os cautivará.