Fiction | mountainmae

The first of two very different books I have recently finished.

one hundred years

One Hundred years of Solitude by gabriel garcia marquez (translated by Gregory Rabassa)

“One of the most influential literary works of our time, One Hundred Years of Solitude is a dazzling and original achievement by the masterful Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the rise and fall, birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendia family. Inventive, amusing, magnetic, sad, and alive with unforgettable men and women — brimming with truth, compassion, and a lyrical magic that strikes the soul — this novel is a masterpiece in the art of fiction. Probably Garcia Marquez’s finest and most famous work.” (Synopsis from ebay)

It is odd when you read a well reviewed book and feel very differently about it. Yes the characters were amusing and memorable. Due to their geography, the town remained isolated until the railroad arrived. An illustration of how isolation can cause a rift between the area mentality and the outside political environment. Where else can you find the character of an old grandfather tethered to a tree in the back yard.

For me, finishing it was a little like walking through mud but I got there.

The most memorable quote for me is: “The secret of a good old age is simply an honorable pact with solitude.”

That really rings true for me- more each year. Solitude and I are great companions, fortunately. How does this quote strike you?