Description
Book SynopsisWidely 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 Ch
Trade Review"Blest Gana's work, well known to Chilieans, is presented for the first time in English..."--Booklist "An accomplished and entertaining allegory that waited 137 years to be translated into English."--Library Journal
