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Cover of The Obscene Bird of Night
Classic Literature· Chile

The Obscene Bird of Night

by José Donoso
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1970Spanish
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About This Book

José Donoso's The Obscene Bird of Night (1970) stands as one of the most significant works of classic literature of its era. José Donoso's 'The Obscene Bird of Night' is a surreal and complex novel that delves into the depths of human consciousness and societal decay. The narrative weaves together the lives of various characters in a decaying mansion, exploring themes of identity, madness, and the grotesque. Donoso's masterful use of language and symbolism makes this work a cornerstone of Latin American literature. Themes of identity, madness, decay run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorJosé Donoso
Published1970
Country of Origin🇨🇱 Chile
LanguageSpanish
Category🏛️ Classic Literature
ISBN978-1564782680
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🏛️ Classic Literature

Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

Explore all Classic Literature books →
Country of Origin

🇨🇱 Chile

This book is part of Chile's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

The Obscene Bird of Night by José Donoso sits within the tradition of classic literature that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1970 in Chile, it engages with identity, madness, decay, grotesque in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes The Obscene Bird of Night is how it handles its central concerns — identity, madness, decay, grotesque — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within Chile's literary landscape, José Donoso occupies a significant position. The Obscene Bird of Night is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
20050
✍️
About the Author
José Donoso
Chile
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José Donoso is a Chile author whose work in classic literature has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Obscene Bird of Night about?

José Donoso's 'The Obscene Bird of Night' is a surreal and complex novel that delves into the depths of human consciousness and societal decay. The narrative weaves together the lives of various characters in a decaying mansion, exploring themes of identity, madness, and the grotesque. Donoso's masterful use of language and symbolism makes this work a cornerstone of Latin American literature.

Who wrote The Obscene Bird of Night?

The Obscene Bird of Night was written by José Donoso, from Chile. First published in 1970.

What awards has The Obscene Bird of Night won?

The Obscene Bird of Night has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Obscene Bird of Night worth reading?

The Obscene Bird of Night is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, madness, decay.

Where can I buy The Obscene Bird of Night?

You can buy The Obscene Bird of Night on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Obscene Bird of Night?

The Obscene Bird of Night is classified as Classic Literature. Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

What country is The Obscene Bird of Night from?

The Obscene Bird of Night originates from Chile's literary tradition. Explore more books from Chile on our country page.

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