Personal+Review

Initially, I was hesitant to read this book for my independent reading assignment because I didn't think I would enjoy it. Gabriel Garcia Marquez is globally known for his eccentric literary style, his magical realism. I, on the other hand, am locally known for my left-brained personality, my preference for mathematics and other rational, no-nonsense subjects. I don't read science fiction, or fantasy, or fairy tales. But after hearing laudatory reviews from my history teacher and Spanish teacher, I decided to give it a try. Still, I was aware of their personal biases (Mrs. Zorrilla is from Colombia, the author's native country, and Senor Plichta of course claims it to be one of the greatest novels of the Spanish language ever written). But once a skeptic, I am now a believer.

Marquez's magical realism did not model most fantasy or science fiction tales I had read in the past, but rather took on the form of a traditional folktale, the kind that tells the history of a nation, the kind of story that is passed on throughout the generations, mourns collective losses and celebrates shared culture. I loved it. The supernatural events Marquez created were innovative, but written in such a comfortable context and tone that they felt real. The drama unfolding across the pages keeps you wanting to read more. The language captivates your mind as the story pulls on your heart. It's a long book, and somewhat of a sad ending, but in the relative span of history, the beginning and the end don't really matter. It's what happens in between that will be remembered.