Sunstone/Piedra De Sol - Octavio Paz

Presented in Eliot Weinberger's excellent new translation with the Spanish texts en face, this is the 1957 poem "that definitively established Paz as a major international figure" (Sagetrieb). Written as a single cyclical sentence (at the end of the poem the first six lines are written again), Sunstone is a tour de force of momentum. It takes as its structural basis the circular Aztec calendar, which measured the synodic period of the planet Venus (584 daysthe number of lines of Sunstone). But, as The New Republic noted, "this esoteric correlative design... does not circumscribe its subject. [It is] a lyrically discursive exploration of time and memory, of erotic love, or art and writing."

Published: 1991-10-17 (New Directions)

ISBN: 9780811211956

Language: English

Format: Paperback, 60 pages

Goodreads' rating: -

Genres

Spanish Literature Poetry European Literature Nobel Prize

Reviews

Katerina rated it

I really enjoy reading Octavio Paz. His poetry is lush and romantic, the images are strong. This book has parallel pages with the Spanish and the English translation. Even though I don't read Spanish, I enjoyed being able to look over to the other side and read the words in the original language after reading the translation. There are so many references lurking in this work - both to relatively recent figures and to historical figures. I wish I had a poetry club or something to read this with me so that I could discuss the images with others. I'll definitely look for more of Paz's writing.

Jobyna rated it

Beautiful poem from a Paz whom won deservedly the Noble Prize. Also kudo's to the beautiful translation.

Sandy rated it

This book was ecstatic, word for word. The steady visuals and run-ons keep your eyes glued to every line in every passage, bringing all of the imagery and emotion into the forefront of your mind. For me, this was the exact same experience as reading Whitman for the first time. It's an orgiastic frenzy of love, life, and experience and it completely renewed my faith in poetry. Loved it. Go read it on the side of a mountain like I did. Highly suggested!