By itself, it is an independent narrative, but actually it was an intended continuation of the 'Noli Me Tangere'(loosely translated, it means 'touch me not'). As well, it is equally contemporary with the treatment of obsession among the ruling class and the question of nationalism, which makes this novel political in nature as well. The difference, however, is that the optimism seen with Crisostomo Ibarra(The protagonist of the Noli Me Tangere) is absent in El Filibusterismo's main character. In the very first scene, on the upper deck of the ferry, we are introduced to a dark character by the name of Simoun. His origin is somewhat questionable at the beginning, but as the story unfolds, those who have read the Noli will soon realize the character's true identity.

It is somewhat Victorian with it's treatment of the characters' emotions, but it shouldn't be surprising. Rizal, who was educated in Europe, actually wrote this novel when he was in England. Somewhat satirical with its portrayal of colonial society, but it is also a romantic tragedy, in which Simoun's intentions regarding the freedom of his country is questioned. Is it out of vengeance? Or is it purely for the betterment of his native land?

It is indeed rhetoric, but as most scholars in the Philippines would say, 'it is superb rhetoric'. The timeline maybe from another world and another age unknown to us. But Rizal's view regarding the issues involved is timeless and universal, especially to those people who experienced oppression. I adore his works and writings. By far, the El Filibusterismo is one of the best stories I've read.

Bravo Rizal! Your words and sentiments will never be forgotten through the accomplishment of this novel. It is now clear why the Filipinos call you their national hero.

Rizal was a young Filipino student in Europe when he wrote "Noli," during the time that the Philippines was under Spanish rule. Rizal worked on the manuscript in between the hours he spent poring over his schoolbooks. He was only 26 when the book was published on borrowed money in Berlin in 1886. Unapologetically anticlerical, this satirical portrayal of 19th century colonial Philippines blended philosophy, irony, humor, and tragedy. The novel was banned from the Philippines because of its subversive content, but contraband copies found their way to Manila, awakening the disparate Philippine islands to unity and nationhood.

"Noli Me Tangere," its sequel "El Filibusterismo" (1891) and Rizal's other essays and poems were part of the core of nationalist literature that inspired both Rizal's co-reformers--a group of European-schooled young Filipinos--and the more militant revolutionaries. In 1896, the militant groups in the Filipinos launched a revolution against the Spanish crown, the first nationalist revolution in Asia. Rizal had no direct part in the insurrection; he had even advised the militant group that the country was not yet ready for an armed revolution and he had pushed instead for nonviolent reform. Nevertheless, the Spanish military arrested Rizal on sedition charges and brought him to trial. He was found guilty. On the evening of December 29, 1896, in his prison cell, Jose Rizal wrote his last poem, "Mi Ultimo Adios." The next morning, soldiers escorted him to a field where his sentence was meted: death by firing-squad. Rizal was only 35 years old.

Rizal's death further fueled the fires of the Philippine revolution, and it culminated on June 12, 1898, with the Filipinos proclaiming independence after more than 300 years of Spanish rule. Today Rizal is considered one of the most important figures in Asian history. He has been revered by many as "The Pride of the Malay Race," and he is the national hero of the Republic of the Philippines. The novel "Noli Me Tangere" appeared, in the years immediately following Rizal's death, in French and English. Since then it has also been translated into German, Chinese and Filipino.

From a historical vantage-point, "Noli Me Tangere" is one of the most important literary works from the period of Asian nationalism. As a novel, "Noli" is a fascinating read.

After reading "Noli Me Tangere," also read its much darker and more philosophical sequel, "El Filibusterismo." I think the latest English translation is by Leon Ma. Guerrero.

It's about time this book was reprinted. Written by one of the heroes of the Philippine revolution, this book is a semi-autobiographical account of Philippine society during its days as a Spanish colony. Noli Me Tangere, roughly translated as "Touch Me Not," reflects the hypocrisy and corruption present in that time. Former translations have aptly titled it, "The Social Cancer."

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, the protagonist, returns to his country after being educated in Madrid, and seeks to marry Maria Clara, a young woman who had been betrothed to him when they were children. He tries to use his education to help the townspeople, but his efforts are thwarted by the clergy. It is these priests who prevent him from learning the true cause of his father's death, and he is eventually labeled as a heretic and is excommunicated from society. He escapes being assasinated and flees, vowing to revenge himself, his father, and Maria Clara.

There is an incredible amount of detail in this novel, and the translation is superb. The characters are vivid -- who can forget Sisa's tragedy and the eerie Father Salvi? You don't have to be a historian or a student to enjoy this novel, and knowing nothing about that place or time period will not affect its intensity and pathos.

problems...for if we have love...we will not only think of our own good but we will be directed to the thought of serving the country FIRST before our own interests. The book will indirectly teach you how to destroy that greed in your heart and love your country...