e333mily's review against another edition
5.0
I found Neruda because of rap music and magpies. I was sitting on the floor of a local bookstore, running my fingers across the spines of poetry books, picking out ones here and there, as you do. Neruda's name was already familiar to me because it is mentioned in one of my favourite songs, Almost Cut my Hair (for Crosby) by Milo – "reading Pablo Neruda and feeling small now". I didn't know at the time why this author made him feel small, but I think I understand now; "I toil deftly, circling above myself." When I came across his name at the store I picked out the book, thinking I'd have a quick flick through. As soon as I saw the cover I knew I'd buy it; it's a picture of Pablo, mid-laugh with a magpie sitting on his head. Anyone who knows me knows that I love birds, and magpies have always had a special place in my heart. Now, so does Neruda.
"...spread like the lunar wave of a just created ocean
over lands and shorelines tormentedly deserted.
Oh, let what I am keep existing and ceasing to exist,
and let my obedience align itself with such iron conditions
that the quaking of deaths and of births doesn't shake
the deep place I want to reserve for myself eternally.
Let me, then, be what I am, wherever and in whatever weather,
rooted and certain and ardent witness..."
"...spread like the lunar wave of a just created ocean
over lands and shorelines tormentedly deserted.
Oh, let what I am keep existing and ceasing to exist,
and let my obedience align itself with such iron conditions
that the quaking of deaths and of births doesn't shake
the deep place I want to reserve for myself eternally.
Let me, then, be what I am, wherever and in whatever weather,
rooted and certain and ardent witness..."
mimirtells's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 Stars (%77/100)
It was a really good collection of poems and this is the first time I'm properly meeting Neruda. I've heard so much about him and I can see why people like him so much. Even though I enjoyed listening to his poems (thanks to the narrator as well), I realized, after finishing it, that I don't really remember the names of the poems. If I already know the poet and their work, then the audiobook is more enjoyable for me. Since this is my first time with Neruda, I can't seem to remember anything, only the feeling of joy and calmness. I guess I'll have to get a physical copy of his poems. Still, I would recommend this audiobook to other people, especially the love poems of Neruda.
It was a really good collection of poems and this is the first time I'm properly meeting Neruda. I've heard so much about him and I can see why people like him so much. Even though I enjoyed listening to his poems (thanks to the narrator as well), I realized, after finishing it, that I don't really remember the names of the poems. If I already know the poet and their work, then the audiobook is more enjoyable for me. Since this is my first time with Neruda, I can't seem to remember anything, only the feeling of joy and calmness. I guess I'll have to get a physical copy of his poems. Still, I would recommend this audiobook to other people, especially the love poems of Neruda.
rachelasselta's review
4.0
I really, really don’t like audiobooks. But hey, character development, I guess? Also, I hope to one day go back and read his poems in the original language.
My favorites were “tonight I can write the saddest lines,” “walking around,” and “october fullness.”
My favorites were “tonight I can write the saddest lines,” “walking around,” and “october fullness.”
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