Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 68 votes)
5 stars
23(34%)
4 stars
20(29%)
3 stars
25(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
68 reviews
July 15,2025
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Aprendes mucho, lo recomiendo. This simple statement holds a world of truth. When you engage in learning, you open the door to a vast array of knowledge and experiences. You discover new ideas, expand your horizons, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you. The process of learning is not only intellectually stimulating but also personally fulfilling. It allows you to grow as an individual, develop new skills, and enhance your confidence. Whether it's through formal education, self-study, or practical experience, the opportunities for learning are endless. So, don't hesitate to embrace the learning journey. You'll be amazed at how much you can achieve and how much you'll learn along the way. I highly recommend it to anyone who is eager to expand their knowledge and improve themselves.

July 15,2025
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"Retrato de una vida y de una época" is truly a remarkable piece of work. It offers a captivating portrayal of not just an individual's life but also the entire era in which they lived.

As you embark on this reading journey, you are immediately drawn into a world filled with vivid details and rich emotions. The author's descriptive language brings the story to life, allowing you to envision every scene and character with astonishing clarity.

It is a reading experience like no other, one that makes you feel as if you are a part of the narrative, witnessing the events unfold before your eyes. The book manages to capture the essence of the times, highlighting the social, cultural, and historical context that shaped the protagonist's life.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good story, "Retrato de una vida y de una época" is a must-read. It is a literary gem that will leave you with a profound understanding and appreciation of the past.
July 15,2025
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Wow, this article is really interesting!

It presents a unique perspective on the topic that catches my attention immediately.

The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read.

However, I think it could be expanded further to provide more in-depth analysis and examples.

For instance, the author could explore different aspects of the topic in greater detail, or discuss how it relates to other relevant issues.

This would make the article even more comprehensive and valuable.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this article and look forward to seeing how it can be improved and expanded in the future.
July 15,2025
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In "The Princessa: Machiavelli for Women" by Harriet Rubin, an interesting perspective is presented.

Rubin takes the classic work of Machiavelli and adapts it for women. She explores how women can navigate the complex world of power and politics using strategies similar to those Machiavelli proposed for men.

The book delves into various aspects such as leadership, negotiation, and self-promotion. It offers practical advice and examples that women can apply in their personal and professional lives.

"The Princessa" challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, suggesting that women can be just as effective in positions of power as men. Rubin argues that by understanding and implementing Machiavelli's principles, women can gain an edge and achieve their goals.

This book is not only relevant for women interested in politics and leadership but also for those who want to enhance their skills in other areas. It provides a fresh and thought-provoking take on an age-old topic, making it a must-read for anyone looking to empower themselves.
July 15,2025
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Any sorjuanista or those who wish to be one, even without actively seeking it, will find in Paz's work a quite interesting journey through the life of Sor Juana. The "poetic" condition of the author enables him to write passages of undeniable beauty that transport you to a society like that of New Spain. (I use the term "poetic" in quotes because in my opinion he did not write poetry of high quality or what he calls "[poetry] of perfection".)


The book is recommended for sorjuanista studies. However, the praise I give to this text must also be accompanied by criticism, which is more severe than the previous one. It repeats overly familiar themes and abuses the idea of seeing in the hermeticism of Kircher the reason for the existence of the work, despite the fact that he himself believes that culture is not the result of social development. The work is, in this sense, a paradox of opinions given from his privilege. Privilege as a man (using the term "man" as a generic for humanity; or even calling the poet with masculine endings!), as a heterosexual (interpreting from the heteronormative perspective); as he would say, paraphrasing, the pride of knowing often clouds the vision of understanding.


The book is necessary if one wants to delve into the study of the best poet who has walked the earth. It's a pity that Paz wants to shine and overshadow the poet instead of analyzing her. His relationship with Elena Garro reveals how he saw and considered his contemporaries and even more so the "beloved one". What can we expect from his analysis of a woman from three centuries ago?


I must say that I enjoyed reading the book. My few stars are more of an analysis of the work that I do. Deep down, I know I would read it again. After all, literary theory is a translation of the charm of the poem, and although I disagree with some of Paz's interpretations, it is important to emphasize the importance of these in his time and ours. There has been no more complete sorjuanista analysis (a pity and a glory); 3 as a sorjuanista work, 4 as a literary work.

July 15,2025
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I am truly fascinated by the essays of Octavio Paz.

This particular one I read for a final essay, but I couldn't help but thoroughly enjoy it: his writing style, his opinions (putting aside some statements about feminism...), his vast knowledge, and the entire work in general.

Octavio Paz's essays are a treasure trove of ideas and insights. His writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a pleasure to read.

Whether you are a student looking for inspiration for an essay or simply someone who enjoys exploring different perspectives, I highly recommend his work.

You will be amazed by the depth and breadth of his knowledge and the unique way he presents his ideas.

So, don't hesitate to pick up one of his essays and embark on a journey of intellectual discovery.
July 15,2025
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This book indeed solidifies Octavio Paz' position as the preeminent thinker of 20th Century Western Civilization. It delves into the profound reasons behind the remarkable phenomenon of his memorial service at The Metropolitan Museum in New York.

At that event, an astonishing 2-mile long line formed, serpentinely winding around Central Park. This extraordinary turnout was a testament to the far-reaching impact and significance of Paz's ideas and contributions.

The book meticulously examines how Paz's unique perspective and intellectual prowess influenced various aspects of Western thought, from literature and philosophy to art and culture. It explores the depth and breadth of his work, shedding light on the elements that made him such a revered figure.

By understanding the essence of Paz's thinking and the magnitude of his influence, we can better appreciate the importance of his place in the annals of 20th Century Western Civilization. The long line at his memorial service serves as a powerful symbol of the lasting impression he left on the collective consciousness of society.
July 15,2025
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This is an extremely fascinating study of Sor Juana, along with the colonial background in which she resided.

There is a substantial amount of build-up regarding the poet's birth, in terms of history. Subsequently, there is great detail and reflection on her life.

Paz is not only a remarkable painter of moments but also a perceptive reader of poetry.

This book is more easily absorbed in segments, yet there is a reason why it has been so widely read since its publication nearly 40 years ago.

Perhaps it is because of the unique insights it offers into Sor Juana's life and the colonial era, or maybe it is due to Paz's engaging writing style.

Whatever the reason, this book continues to be a valuable and thought-provoking read for those interested in literature, history, and the life of this remarkable poet.
July 15,2025
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Una excelente obra que se trata del ensayo de Octavio Paz sobre la vida y obra de Sor Juana.

El autor examina minuciosamente, se documenta exhaustivamente y analiza con gran profundidad las influencias literarias de Sor Juana.

No solo eso, sino que también documenta hechos inéditos sobre ella, lo que enriquece nuestra comprensión de esta figura tan importante de la literatura hispanoamericana.

Este trabajo es un valioso aporte a la investigación sobre Sor Juana y permite a los lectores conocer mejor su vida y su contribución a la literatura.

Octavio Paz ha logrado capturar la esencia de Sor Juana y presentarla de una manera novedosa y atractiva.

Es una obra que merece ser leída y estudiada por todos aquellos que estén interesados en la literatura y la historia cultural de México y América Latina.

July 15,2025
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A very well-documented book with an intense reading of everything that Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz wrote. Undoubtedly, Octavio Paz is a high-level intellectual. I agree with the comments of others that Paz abuses poetic interpretation in some of his reflections, just as he understands that Pfandl (another biographer of Sor Juana) goes too far in using psychoanalysis to understand the nun's character. However, it is very pleasant to read because the book, in addition to being informative, has a literary value in itself. Paz corrects some interpretations of other authors of Sor Juana with great common sense and reveals a poet who had her contradictions, passions, and always a great love for knowledge. Perhaps the final chapter on the crisis of Sor Juana, how the balance of power between the viceroy and the archbishop of Mexico shifted after a natural disaster, is one of the best things written on the topic. A biography, a period painting,

a beautiful text, and the final appreciation of one of the greatest poets the Spanish language has had.
July 15,2025
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Although it was good, I didn't manage to finish it before the test. However, I thought it was a rather interesting book. Before reading it, I had no idea who Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz was, let alone the historical environment in which she lived. I feel that in a certain way, I was able to connect with her and I enjoyed it. The only bad thing was the first 80 pages and the use of filler that was not necessary. Other than that, my rating would be 3/5 stars :p



The story of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz is truly captivating. It takes the reader on a journey through her life, revealing her intelligence, talent, and struggles. Despite the challenges she faced in a male-dominated society, she managed to make a name for herself as a writer and thinker. The book does a great job of presenting her story in an engaging and accessible way.



However, as I mentioned earlier, the first 80 pages could have been more concise. There was a lot of background information that felt a bit repetitive and unnecessary. Additionally, the use of filler words and phrases detracted from the overall flow of the text. But overall, I still found the book to be an enjoyable read and would recommend it to others who are interested in learning about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and her contributions to literature and history.

July 15,2025
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The historical part is rather mediocre.

There are better books about Sor Juana. It is evident that Paz wrote it because he had to. However,

the analysis of the work, of what Paz could speak with full authority, is excellent.

He delved deep into the various aspects of Sor Juana's literary output, dissecting her themes, styles, and the significance of her works within the context of the time.

His insights offer a fresh perspective and a more profound understanding of Sor Juana's contributions to literature.

Despite the shortcomings in the historical section, the analysis alone makes the book a valuable read for those interested in Sor Juana and her literary achievements.

It shows Paz's expertise and his ability to bring out the essence of her works in a way that few others could.

Overall, while not a perfect book, it does have its strengths and is worth considering for anyone looking to explore the life and works of Sor Juana.
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