Teitelboim’s biography may well serve as the most important reference on Neruda’s life and spirit because he maintains a historical distance between the reader and his subject. Teitelboim’s Neruda is close enough to present a penetrating study of the poet, yet it is objective enough to sustain critical perspective. The book spans Neruda’s career from birth until after his death, enabling the reader to glimpse the poet through the mirror of his friend.
— Journal of Third World Studies
The author, a Chilean novelist and politician who was a confidant of Pablo Neruda (1904–1973) for 40 years, rescues the poet from the pedestal of myth in this sweepingly lyrical, highly personal biography. ... Teitelboim skillfully links the creative artist to the public figure by interweaving beautifully translated verses by Neruda with the main narrative.
— Publishers Weekly