the most perfect novel, 23 Jun 2004

In One Hundred Years of Solitude, Marquez creates a novel to show the nature of time. For this reason, there is no single main character in focus, nor does the novel follow a regular timeline. Instead the names of the characters are repeated and the flaws of each generation are magnified. As the generations grow, time speeds by and stagnates. The family is one drawn toward nostalgia and solitude, unable to feel love and charity. Because of this they are condemned to an ever decreasing circle where the passing of generations bring a concentration of loneliness.

Throughout the novel, Marquez creates the sense of eventual doom through his continued dispassionate tone. The ongoing wars, and the advent of modernity do not bring a solution. Time moves on, but progress is denied.

What makes this novel so spectacular is not only the equisite writing style but the sense of saga the reader feels. This is not only the story of one family, but an allegory to that of civilisation. The links to Genesis are plentiful, but also something of a Greek tragedy in the rise and fall of the family.

The characters are compelling with believable vices and fears and Marquez paints a vivid picture of the smells, sounds and sights of Macondo i found it impossible to put the book down.

I will ensure that every person i know has a copy of this book and am sure in years to come, it will be a book i have read over and over. Buy it, borrow it.... just read it!!!!

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follow the family tree, 24 Dec 2005

Francis Darmanin (MALTA)

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Classic, 12 Feb 2000

This book tells a story of several generations of the Buendia family, and the town Macondo. You will love the characters, each with their quirks, strengths and weaknesses. And you will love the town as it grows from a naive, simple town to a modern, complicated town. Mind you, this is not your average town. It has flying carpets, people levitating, and pig-tailed babies! Rather than distracting us, these fantasy characteristics enhance the style and beauty of the story. This book reads like a mature fairy tale, but one that has a dark humour. Though the author keeps you amused by some light moments in the book, you will feel that all is not as it seems. Though you cannot pin point it, you will feel as if something bad will happen; a sense of brooding and disturbing fear. This is an example on how well this book was written. And the ending was very sad.

I rarely get emotional reading books, and I am always wary of good comments from professional reviewers, and even books that win awards. But I totally agreed when one reviewer said this book is a classic of the 20th century.

I cannot recommend this book enough. Forget the paperback, get the hardcover. This is a book that must exist on all book shelves for the entire family to read, and re-read.

Yes, folks, this book is that good.

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