42 pages • 1 hour read
Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not)
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Philippines • Late 1800s
1887
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Noli Me Tángere by José Rizal, Don Crisóstomo Ibarra, of Filipino and Spanish descent, returns to the Philippines after seven years in Europe and becomes aware of the oppressive Spanish colonial rule. Determined to improve his homeland, he confronts powerful adversaries who see him as a threat, especially the friar Father Dámaso, who opposes Ibarra's reform efforts and his engagement to María-Clara. The novel includes depictions of violence and oppression.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
8,499 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
José Rizal's Noli Me Tángere is widely praised for its incisive critique of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, with rich, evocative descriptions and compelling characters. However, some find its dense historical context overwhelming. Overall, it is a powerful, though complex, examination of societal ills.
Who Should Read Noli Me Tángere?
A reader who enjoys Noli Me Tángere by José Rizal likely has an interest in historical fiction, post-colonial studies, and political criticism. Comparable to readers of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, they appreciate rich cultural contexts and nuanced character explorations.
8,499 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elías
Elías
A boatman with a complex background who often aids Ibarra, Elías seeks justice and reform and is involved with groups planning civil unrest.
Father Dámaso
Father Dámaso
A powerful priest in San Diego who opposes Ibarra, Dámaso is a controversial figure known for his aggressive and conservative stance.
Father Salví
Father Salví
A scheming priest who sees Ibarra as a competitor for María-Clara and plays a role in undermining him through manipulation.
Tasio
Tasio
An elderly philosopher with a rational outlook, Tasio is a solitary figure respected by reform-minded individuals for his insights.
María-Clara
María-Clara
The devoted love interest of Ibarra, known for her innocence and loyalty, who faces emotional turmoil and makes profound personal decisions.
480
Novel • Fiction
Philippines • Late 1800s
1887
Adult
18+ years
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