Canto General
Canto General
Book Brief
Beta480
Poem • Fiction
•
Latin American LiteratureLatin America • 20th century
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Canto General is an epic poem by Pablo Neruda, exploring Latin America's history and identity. It weaves together themes of nature, politics, and personal experience, celebrating the continent's diverse people and landscapes. The poem aims to illuminate the struggles and resilience of individuals across time, providing a rich tapestry of cultural and historical reflections.
Contemplative
Emotional
Inspirational
Nostalgic
Informative
Reviews & Readership
1,737 ratings
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Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Pablo Neruda's Canto General is celebrated for its rich poetic exploration of Latin American history and identity. Critics praise its ambitious scope and vivid imagery. However, some note the overwhelming length and dense language as potential drawbacks. Overall, it remains a powerful, evocative masterpiece in Neruda’s oeuvre, highlighting his mastery of poetry.
Who Should Read Canto General?
A reader who enjoys Canto General appreciates lyrical poetry, Latin American history, and social justice themes. They may also enjoy One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez for its exploration of Latin American culture or Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman for its epic poetic style.
1,737 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Canto General was published in 1950 and is one of Pablo Neruda's most ambitious works, consisting of over 15,000 lines and 231 poems divided into 15 sections, reflecting diverse themes and rich imagery.
Neruda's Canto General was inspired by the vastness of Latin American history and geography, threading powerful political and social commentary throughout its verses, highlighting the continent's struggles and triumphs.
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The creation of Canto General spanned over a decade, largely influenced by Neruda's travels and experiences in Latin America, and it has been regarded as one of the most comprehensive depictions of the Latin American identity and landscape.
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480
Poem • Fiction
•
Latin American LiteratureLatin America • 20th century
2004
Adult
18+ years
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