Recuerdos de mi vida

The reviews consistently praise the book for presenting the fascinating and inspiring life story of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, a true genius and one of the fathers of neuroscience. Readers appreciate the deep insights into the early days of the field, including accounts of scientific discovery and Cajal's groundbreaking work on neurons, their growth, and the spread of neural impulses. His exquisite scientific artwork, included in the book, is frequently highlighted as a significant positive. Many found his philosophical remarks, comments on education, science, modesty, and morality to be refreshing and insightful. The autobiography is seen as a source of inspiration, particularly for budding neuroscientists or anyone seeking motivation from a challenging beginning in life. Some even found the ornate, formal 19th-century writing style to be charming or appreciated its "exaggerated" vocabulary.

However, the most significant criticism across the reviews centers on the book's language and writing style. Many found it to be extravagant, impenetrable, overly ornate, and formal, making for a difficult and sometimes tedious read. The substantial length of the book, at 600 pages, combined with this dense prose, proved challenging for several readers, leading some to question their patience for it. Specific sections, such as detailed descriptions of experiments, are noted as potentially tedious, a point the author himself reportedly acknowledges. The translation, while aiming for fidelity to the original Spanish, is sometimes perceived as contributing to the challenging and overly formal nature of the text, with one reviewer suggesting the book highlights the need for strict editorial oversight even for eminent scientists.

Overall, despite the stylistic hurdles, the book is largely considered an unparalleled and important autobiography, offering a unique and valuable window into the mind and work of a scientific giant. It is highly recommended for readers with a strong interest in neuroscience, the history of science and medicine, or those who appreciate detailed and formal 19th-century prose. Individuals who are patient with verbose writing and are seeking inspiration from a groundbreaking scientist will likely find this book profoundly rewarding, though those looking for a light or easily accessible read might find its demanding style a barrier.