Lazarillo De Tormes: Anonimo (Leer En Espanol, Level 3)

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Summary: La vida de un huerfano
Review: Esta novela es un ejemplo perfecto de la tradicion de la novela picaresca. Lazarillo es un huerfano que trata de servir diferentes amos, pero todos son coruptos y no le tratan bien. Muestra una critica fuerte de la sociedad espanola durante el siglo 16. Toma lugar en Espana por supuesto, y en la ciudad de Toledo tambien. Es cerca de Madrid y es una ciudad hermosa pero aqui muestra la corrupcion de la sociedad. Esta novela es muy importante en la historia de literatura de Espana y si quieres entender la historia de Espana, esta novela es necesario. This novel is a perfect example of the picaresque tradition in literature. Lazarillo is an orphan who tries to serves his masters, but they are corrupt and don't treat him very well. It shows a strong criticism of spanish society in the 16th century. It takes place in Spain of course, and also more specifically, in the city of Toledo. It is close to Madrid and is a beautiful city but here it shows the corruption of society. This novel is very important in the history of literature in Spain, and if you want to understand the history of Spain, this novel is neccesary.

Rating:
Summary: better than it seems
Review: Had to read this book for class. It was not as bad as some other old Spanish texts from this period. An interesting and often funny look at the simple life of a picaro and the tricks of the trade. The reader follows Lazarillo from his childhood as the son of a thief and his simple struggle to survive and make his life moderately bearable. The author is very critical of his contemporary Spanish society, and especially the church (this book was banned by the Inquisition). Fear not students, this book is worth the read.

Rating:
Summary: Classical literature is NOT boring
Review: Nobody knows for sure who wrote this early novel. But we should be glad he did. This book takes the form of an autobiographical tale, where Lazaro de Tormes tells his misadventures. He is a street-boy, an orphan in constant risk of starvation in a poor Spain, where the richess of the New World never trickled down to the poor inhabitants not connected to the Conquest.

Lazarillo, then, makes a living -if you can call that to make a living- as servant to different miserable characters who exploit and abuse him. But he is anything but a fool. Lazaro is always on the move to cheat and deceive his masters, if only to be able to put something into his stomach and avoid starvation. His adventures are not nice, but brutal. Be it with a blind master, or an avaricious and poor priest, Lazaro is always having funny and hysterical adventures. The best thing about the book is Lazaro's attitude: deep inside, the guy is a winner, not a loser, and he is willing to do anything to go up in life, as far as he can, which is not much: he ends up marrying a priest's mistress (check the mock at the Church) and landing a job which required him to accompany prisoners to their execution (not the nicest of jobs, but at least he got a salary). The adventures are hilarious, the character unforgettable by any means. Besides, you can get a good glimpse at the state of Spanish society at the time, but never forget that, even in rich societies, miserable people abound, and the Lazarillos are still out there, in the streets, living day by day, having adventures not funny at all. Good literature with a great social landscape.