Pablo Neruda: Five Decades, a Selection

by Pablo Neruda

English, Spanish

Genres: Poetry, Classics, Fiction, Collections, Spanish Literature, Latin American, Romance

431 pages, Hardcover

First published January 12, 1994

About the author

Pablo Neruda, born Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto in 1904 in Parral, Chile, was a poet, diplomat, and politician, widely considered one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. From an early age, he showed a deep passion for poetry, publishing his first works as a teenager. He adopted the pen name Pablo Neruda to avoid disapproval from his father, who discouraged his literary ambitions. His breakthrough came with Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada (Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, 1924), a collection of deeply emotional and sensual poetry that gained international recognition and remains one of his most celebrated works.
Neruda’s career took him beyond literature into diplomacy, a path that allowed him to travel extensively and engage with political movements around the world. Beginning in 1927, he served in various consular posts in Asia and later in Spain, where he witnessed the Spanish Civil War and became an outspoken advocate for the Republican cause. His experiences led him to embrace communism, a commitment that would shape much of his later poetry and political activism. His collection España en el corazón (Spain in Our Hearts, 1937) reflected his deep sorrow over the war and marked a shift toward politically engaged writing.
Returning to Chile, he was elected to the Senate in 1945 as a member of the Communist Party. However, his vocal opposition to the repressive policies of President Gabriel Gonzalez Videla led to his exile. During this period, he traveled through various countries, including Argentina, Mexico, and the Soviet Union, further cementing his status as a global literary and political figure. It was during these years that he wrote Canto General (1950), an epic work chronicling Latin American history and the struggles of its people.
Neruda’s return to Chile in 1952 marked a new phase in his life, balancing political activity with a prolific literary output. He remained a staunch supporter of socialist ideals and later developed a close relationship with Salvador Allende, who appointed him as Chile’s ambassador to France in 1970. The following year, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for the scope and impact of his poetry. His later years were marked by illness, and he died in 1973, just days after the military coup that overthrew Allende. His legacy endures, not only in his vast body of work but also in his influence on literature, political thought, and the cultural identity of Latin America.

Reviews

[Edita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, it grows late, and the shorelines are lost.
*
A day never meant for me,
maybe, stays with my memory: one
whose beginning was nowhere
and endless.
*
What we know comes to so little,
what we presume is so much,
what we learn, so laborious,
we can only ask questions and die.
*
[…] — nothing
but time passing, the green-and-white
line of the sea-sand, the ocean.

[Maria Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very political at first. Then became emotional. And reached to the point that I became hormonal.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know there are a lot of negative comments about the English translations of Neruda's work, but I honestly haven't read enough of them to judge the quality of this particular one. In a way it makes me sad, because I feel like I will never fully grasp the intensity of Neruda's emotion unless I learn Spanish. I did, however, really enjoy reading this collection, and I will probably return to it many times in the future.

[Rosa Ramôa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ode ao Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, a água
é a tua bandeira,
agita as suas cores,
sopra e soa no vento,
cidade,
náiade negra,
de claridade sem fim,
de fervente sombra,
de pedra com espuma
é o teu tecido,
o lúcido balanço
da tua rede marinha,
o azul movimento
dos teus pés arenosos,
o aceso ramo
dos teus olhos.
Rio, Rio de Janeiro,
os gigantes
salpicaram a tua estátua
com pontos de pimenta,
deixaram
na tua boca
lombos do mar, nadadeiras
pertubadoramente indolentes,
promontórios
da fertilidade,tetas da água,
declives de granito,
lábios de ouro,
e entre a pedra quebrada
o sol marinho
iluminando
espumas estreladas.

Oh Beleza,
oh cidadela
de pele fosforescente,
romã
de carne azul, oh deusa
tatuada em sucessivas
ondas de ágata negra,
da tua nua estátua
sai um aroma de jasmim molhado
pelo suor, um ácido
sereno
de cafézais e de quitandas
e pouco a pouco sob o teu diadema,
entre a duplicada maravilha
dos teus seios,
entre cúpula e cúpula
da tua natureza
assoma o dente da desventura,
a cancerosa fila
da miséria humana,
nos morros leprosos
o cacho inclemente
das vidas,
vagalume terrível,
esmeralda
extraída
do sangue,
o teu povo para os limites
da selva se estende
e um rumor oprimido,
passos e surdas vozes,
migrações de famintos,
escuros pés com sangue,
o teu povo,
além dos rios,
na densa
amazónia,
esquecido,
no Norte
de espinhos,
esquecido,
com sede nas chapadas,
esquecido,
nos portos mordido
pela febre,
esquecido,
na porta
da casa de onde o expulsaram,
pedindo a ti
um só olhar,
e esquecido.
Em outras terras,
reinos, nações,
ilhas,
a cidade capital,
a coroada,
foi colmeia
de trabalhos humanos,
amostra da desgraça
e do acerto,
fígado da pobre monarquia,
cozinha da pálida república.
Tu és a ofuscante
vitrina
de uma sombria noite,
a garganta
coberta
de águas marinhas
e ouro
de um corpo
abandonado,
és
a porta
delirante
de uma casa vazia,
és
o antigo pecado,
a salamandra
cruel,
intacta
no braseiro
das longas dores do teu povo
és
Sodoma,
sim,
Sodoma,
deslumbrante,
com um fundo sombrio
de veludo verde,
rodeada
de crespa sombra, de águas
ilimitadas, dormes
nos braços
da desconhecida
primavera
de um planeta selvagem.
Rio, Rio de Janeiro,
quantas coisas
devo te dizer. Nomes
que não esqueço,
amores
que amadurecem o seu perfume,
encontro contigo, quando
do teu povo
uma onda
agregue ao teu diadema
a ternura,
quando
à tua bandeira de águas
ascendam as estrelas
do homem,
não do mar,
não do céu,
quando
no esplendor
da tua auréloa
eu veja
o negro, o branco, o filho
da tua terra e do teu sangue,
elevados
até a dignidade da tua formosura,
iguais na tua luz resplandecente,
proprietários
humildes e orgulhosos
do espaço e da alegria,
então , Rio de Janeiro,
quando
alguma vez
para todos os teus filhos,
não só para alguns,
dês o teu sorriso, espuma
de náiade morena,
então
eu serei o teu poeta,
chegarei com a minha lira
para cantar no teu aroma
e dormirei na tua fita
de platina,
na tua areia
incomparável,
na frescura azul do leque
que abrirás no meu sonho
com as asas de uma
gigantesca
mariposa marina.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was sent to a desert island, this is the single book I would take with me to read for the rest of my life. Some of the English translations in this book are actually pretty horrible; read Selected Poems if you don't read Spanish. This one is a pretty comprehensive survey of my favorite poet of all time, hands down. He could be writing about the Spanish Civil War, the sea, United Fruit Company, the woman he loves, or a pair of socks-- everything is as if you never noticed it or saw it or comprehended it until you read his poetic interpretation of it. There are poems of his I would tattoo on my hand (if that weren't so painful and crazy) so I could always have them in front of me-- that's how good he is.

[B Sarv · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been quite some time since I have read an entire book of poetry. First, this book has made me wish to take another try at learning Spanish as I am sure the deepest beauty of Neruda’s writing is lost in translation.

I really enjoyed the poems in this book. One of the most intriguing poems was “From the Woes and the Furies” and “Horsemen in the rain” had the most penetrating descriptions of rain I can recall reading.

I have been reading these poems with my morning coffee, a practice I recommend for any reader of poetry. It has led to much more positive beginnings of my day than reading my Twitter timeline. This works for me and the world needs more positivity. Maybe it will work for you?

[Old Man JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I've been reading over a period of a couple of months, usually reading one or two poems a day. It covers the entire career of Pablo Neruda and reveals the changes in his poetry through the years. His earlier work was a little more abstract than his later work and of these my favorites were probably "Girl Gardening", " To the Foot From Its Child" and "Flies Enter a Closed Mouth". His later work was much more narrative and more too my liking. Of these some of my favorites were " To Wash a Child", "Full Powers" and "The Truth" but just about all of his later work was exceptional.

[Joseph]

“But we exaggerate, I
said, looking back at the bonfires
that sank in the density:
two branches of laurel
and a red flame arose out of nowhere,
with a chestnut tree in the center:
then the tree itself opened out,
bearing tidings, the reminder
of sweetness imprisoned—
so I went back to my newspaper
and read on, like any good citizen.”

[Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection is probably the best one of poems I've ever read, and for good reasons. This collection, which contains excerpts from fourteen of Pablo Neruda's poetry collections, balances emotions such as hopelessness, love, anger, and discontent all at once.

The first two collections included in this collection, "Residencia en la Tierra" and "Canto General," are probably my favorites. One of the poems in the former, "Caminando," best exemplifies this. The poem's first verse ("Sucede que me canso de ser hombre. Sucede que entro en las sastrerías y en los cines marchito, impenetrable, como un cisne de fieltro, navegando en un agua de origen y ceniza.") is so relatable to me in the fact that it exemplifies how one feels when they simply have nothing going for them in life, and are just weary are being alive. That is an example of Neruda, like every great writer, simply putting out a thought that others can find universal.

"Alberto Rojas Jiménez Viene Volando" also exemplifies this lonely feeling in the former collection. This poem, dedicated to a friend of Neruda who had drowned, is phenomenal. In this poem, Neruda recollects memories he had of his friend, ending every verse with the words "Vienes volando." making it clear the presence his departed friend still has in his life despite his death. When one reads this poem, one may not only think of people they've known who passed away but also of all the friendships and relationships that have come and gone as life goes on. The result is something that's beautifully written.

"Canto General," which concerns the history of Latin America, is also phenomenal. My personal favorite poem in this collection is "The United Fruit Company." That poem is a critique of the United Fruit Company's actions in Latin America and a protest against U.S. imperialism in the region in general, is no-holds-barred. One sees a variety of images; companies such as Coca-Cola and Ford Motors carving up Latin America, U.S. puppet dictators, and Indigenous people dying due to toiling for U.S. imperialism. While this collection contains several anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist poems, I found this one by far the most powerful to read.

I have focused on those two collections because those were the ones that made the most impact on me, and I can remember off the top of my head, but I undoubtedly would recommend the entire collection. There are countless poems in this collection that ended up putting a smile on my face.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I didn't read all of this, but what I did read was pretty amazing: I found the level of energy in _Residence on Earth_ (the title given that collection, usually called _Here on Earth_ in this translation) and the way that images roll one after the other is pretty breathtaking. The love sonnets are great, as are many of the Odes I read here. A very solid book, and one that I suspect might be the product of a translator somehow outside the pale?

[Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am trying to read poetry daily, and this was a gift years ago that I hadn't actually looked at until now. I know I have read Neruda that I have liked, that has absolutely gutted me, but this collection doesn't do it. I think it's a combination of curation and translation. The majority of the poems included here are either political or themed around nature, neither of which I find compelling. Political poems can be incredible, and if I had more knowledge about the political situation in which some of these were written, I may have been affected by them. And natural poems I find hit or miss; I adore Mary Oliver and some Robert Frost, but these for the most part just weren't interesting to me. I think this is where the translation comes in; I don't know Spanish, so it's not something I could actually check. But the language of this translator just doesn't accord to the Neruda translations I have come across before. It's more distant, and repetitive. It doesn't read very well, imo.

Still, glad to have read this!

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Neruda and I like most of it. I did some research on this translation and it gets a lot of criticism for taking liberties. At its worst moments, its beyond absurd. At its best, it's great. I've read other translations that I liked a lot more.

Anyway, it took me 6 years to read this book. Sad.

[Vince C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the poems in Spanish, but it was nice to peek over at an unfamiliar word or phrase every couple poems. What a powerful poet. The kind of writer that could have made moving, emotional speeches with ease. I liked that each book within, had a different theme that could be followed.

[hannah, always · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly some of the poems are very political. But understandable for Pablo Neruda. His view on life and the things around us are truly one of a kind. Some poems are heartbreaking while others warm me up inside.

[Janessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who loves poetry, this was not for me. Neruda had great form, his rhythm was beautiful, but most of the poems I found unnecessarily esoteric with the meaning hidden behind fluffy language.

[Neha · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I say: ‘Here is my place,’ stripping myself down in the light / and dropping my hands in the sea, / until all is transparent again / there under the earth, and my sleep can be tranquil.”

[Timbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Neruda is something like attempting dream analysis: what you get out of it is largely a matter of your state of mind.

[Katie B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible translations

[Doris Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LIKE THIS BOOK.

[Poet’s Pulpit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp and insightful, wrapped in words without edges. Keep a dictionary nearby.

[Ashley Hunnicutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of poetry

[Anissa Maldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do believe that art in any form can transcend language barriers. However, that just doesn't hold much truth regarding this particular book. Pablo Neruda's prose entirely captured my admiration, however this translator's did not.

Neruda's style is enchanting in the way that leaves you reminiscent of feelings or experiences from the past. Ben Belitt, just didn't showcase that as brilliantly. So, I found myself only paying attention to the Spanish text the most. The collection of poems over decades themselves were well put together overall. You could tell where Pablo Neruda was coming from in terms of what city or country he was in and even what was going on in the world around him. I think that's what's most enjoyable about his work. The fact that as a poet his love for politics and his beliefs concerning love/morals shine through his description of mundane activities or observations.

I picked up this book because I'm bilingual and wanted to strengthen my understanding of Spanish. I would recommend this to other who want to do the same. It is a read that does take up plenty of your own time and does leave you happy at the end, despite the rough English translations. Overall, Pablo Neruda continuously captures my admiration. His observant and passionate nature are definitely inspiring to me.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of people complained about the English translation and I somehow agree with them. I won't go into details about the language used. I know that it is brilliant in Spanish, another reason why I should learn the latter. But I'd give the translator two thumbs up for selecting the poems in this collection.

Neruda has a way of conveying something beautiful, may it be about the mundane everyday life, the intricacy of politics, societal problems, etc. I even enjoyed reading The United Food Co. (reminds me of One Hundred Years of Solitude). The imagery he paints and the intricate care he paid to weave the words together are enough to lure me into his world. So much passion. So much intentsity.

I can read this over and over again. Damn, it even drove me to write a dozen poetry myself. (But they are all crappy and I can never write one that will measure up to Pablo's.)

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this five stars for the poetry and the curating of the poems but not for the translations. It's amazing, it includes poems about nature that I can actually stand. I typically roll my eyes as soon as a poem starts to get all nature-y but Neruda writes about plants, flowers, mud, clay, waves, etc. in a way that's unique and arresting. At first I was really excited that this was a bilingual edition but, as other reviews have stated, the translations are pretty bad. I know they're not supposed to be literal but I still pretty much ignored them and just looked up whatever words I didn't know on my own.

[René · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can't give this book a good review, I love Neruda and in truth, I should learn to read Spanish so that I can read his words and let them translate in my mind myself. That said, I agree with so many other reviewers, the translations are pretty bad. Why would anyone without a poet's tongue, try to translate Neruda? Its so bad that I think this book only deserves 2 stars. In addition, the translator uses the word "niggardly" in his preface. Now I know this was 1974, but the selection of his words, says a lot about him as a writer...and in my opinion, the word stingy would have sufficed.

All that said, if you know Spanish fluently, I suppose this collection is wonderful.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Understanding Neruda's poetry isn't easy, even for those who speak Spanish. This bilingual edition is of limited help. Often I found myself wondering why Belitt rendered an English word choice out of Neruda's Spanish text. Ilan Stavans has written that 'the field of Neruda’s translators is a particularly belligerent, acrimonious one.' Neruda has been called 'the greatest poet of the twentieth century --in any language' (Marquez) and 'a great bad poet' (Jimenez). An oft made point is that his poetry is uneven. Still, in each section of this book, I found phrases, lines, and sometimes complete poems, which were accessible and memorable in the original language.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pablo Neruda's poetry really did change my life. This particular cover of this collection reminds me of the summer of 1996, when I was subletting on campus and living in a little girl's room. The girl was gone for the summer, so I was sleeping in her bunkbed. Anyway, I really wanted to learn Spanish because of Pablo Neruda. I remember completely mastering "tengo un coche blanco" and "tienes un coche blanco" (because Chris had a white car, aka Babe) but little else. Anyway, I eventually did learn Spanish, and that was because of Pablo Neruda, so he changed my life in that way too.

[Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, to me, difficult reading. Yet really satisfying when a poem "hits the mark" and you understand it. Neruda's is the only poetry book I've ever brought, due to the movie "El Postino," in which there is a character loosely based on him, and the actor playing him was so great with Neruda's words I wanted to read more. I have to think much harder than when reading prose, but that's good. Give it a try- it's thought-provoking. And his use of words is simply amazing; beautiful. I've noticed one word in poetry can be a complete story in prose.

[Xavier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was the best choice in getting a collection of Pablo Neruda's poems. The poems are in both Spanish and English. I feel sorry for those of you who don't understand Spanish because you're really missing out on something. The beauty is in the words, how they're said aloud. The Enlish versions don't do it any justice really.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every poem is given in both Spanish and English translation, on facing pages. That said, the English translations seem to me a bit stilted and unnecessarily obscure. But I would recommend it to anyone who knows Spanish passably.