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I guess this makes me a philistine, but I so agree with you. Just. can't. do. it. anymore.

Good review. You capture the essence of my own frustration with this book.

Thanks! After I read other reviews, I thought, "Oh no, I really need to be more versatile/cultured/intelligent," or something, but at the end of the day, why read something that makes you want to scream?

Best review I've ever read. ---it wasn't the paint fumes, it was just a crappy book.

OH MY GOSH!!! This is the BEST review I have EVER read. I too could NOT keep track of all the people with the same name. I felt like my head was going to explode by the end. To me, LIFE is too short to read crappy, torturous, crazy books!!! :-)

My husband recommended this book to me. I am just about halfway through...reading reviews...until I stumbled on yours and laughed out loud. My husband ALSO rereads Ulysses for fun.

By the way, I've been reading it since last September.

I do like the book, a lot. However the part about "three generations of people with the same name" made me laugh.
Why people feel so touchy about the books they "should" like? Classic or not, who cares? Damn, I HATE the Divine Comedy. No big deal.

Thank you do much for your review. I was beginning to think that I was trivial and frivolous in my literary tastes because I struggled to read this, the entire time thinking "why does everyone live this book so much" I won't say it was bad but I will say it was easy to put down and hard to pick back up. I did finish it because I really kept hoping there would be something redeeming and in the end I too would say I loved it. Not so.

My fav book, by miles and miles and miles. I do understand your frustrations, but with this book, the more you try and track it and reign it in, the more it will allude you. Don't fight it. Accept it's wildness - it is ungovernable. And absolutely mind-blowing. The ending is crushingly good.

I am currently reading 4 books right now and this one I might finish the Lord of the Rings book (which I have been reading since the beginning of the year) before I finish this...this will show you how uninterested I am in the characters and plot of this book. I need to pick a good book next time.

This is not a leisure reading book, that you pick up once in 5 days while reading 5 other books along with it. This book commands far more respect and attention from the reader with all their senses. And thats what is lovely about it, that a book could be capable of that. This is not the book, especially the beginning chapters where you can just start a para read 3 line and think " i have to meet sally at 5:00 pm, so need to leave by 4:00 " while reading line 4 and 5 and expect to understand what happens in the 6th. You will end up reading the whole para again. When i first read his book, i had to restart many paras because i had let my wits wander just a couple of seconds, but i immediately understood what was required of me. Many people think the beginning chapters are one bloody mumbo jumbo of words, actually on the contrary its some of the most beautiful random words reigned in and strung together in one high tension cohesive structure which makes perfect sense. That is where the brilliance of Maquez lies.
This cacophony of words is an assault on all your senses. I'm not kidding, the words in this book can make you smell, taste and hear things that you have never even heard before. Hence you need to be prepared for it, approach it the right way and the book will itself prepare you and discipline you to handle all of what is coming, thus the beginning of it is even more important.

And yet this book is not for everyone. One needs to have a broad and sensing mind to get involved with this book. One needs to be willing to sense new things. People, who are naturally curious about other cultures, their flaws , their brilliance, its people, their lives, their pain and take perverse pleasure in invading it and personally taking a bite. There are many who appreciate that and many who don't, and new and foreign doesn't interest them & they take comfort in experiencing familiar things. This book is not for them. What ever their reason, their fast lives or simple why bother attitude are best left to their usual reads.

Wow! Lucifel, you described the book "One-Hundred Years of Solitude" to the point! Thank you! Many people just don't do justice to this fantastic story-telling book. I read the book first in SPANISH, when I was in my teens, and I liked it very much. I have to re-read it in ENGLISH now!

Here is the condensed book story:

One of the 20th century's enduring works, One Hundred Years of Solitude is a widely beloved and acclaimed novel known throughout the world, and the ultimate achievement of a Nobel Prize winning career.

The novel tells the story of the rise and fall of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the family. It is a rich and brilliant chronicle of life and death, and the tragicomedy of humankind. In the noble, ridiculous, beautiful, and tawdry story of the family, one sees all of humanity, just as in the history, myths, growth, and decay of Macondo, one sees all of Latin America.

Love and lust, war and revolution, riches and poverty, youth and senility -- the variety of life, the endlessness of death, the search for peace and truth -- these universal themes dominate the novel. Whether he is describing an affair of passion or the voracity of capitalism and the corruption of government, Gabriel Garcia Marquez always writes with the simplicity, ease, and purity that are the mark of a master.

Alternately reverential and comical, One Hundred Years of Solitude weaves the political, personal, and spiritual to bring a new consciousness to storytelling. Translated into dozens of languages, this stunning work is no less than an accounting of the history of the human race.

I recommend this book 100%!

I love it...100 years of torture. Corrrreeeccctttt!

Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone in not "appreciating" this book (which I finished just yesterday).

This is not the book to try and expand your literary horizons. Its one to read when you're well expanded already.

I read it in Spanish and was unimpressed. Someone told me I'd feel differently if I read it in English. But, like you, the first time I read it, I couldn't help but think I was inside a stoners' mind. LOL

Dear Lord! It's obviously your country do not have culture. HERE in COLOMBIA was a tradition put the name of the father and mother in their children. Try to lear more about the cultures before criticise :3

Hello!! I just read your review and I am on the floor laughing!! You are absolutely right! And I truly can't stop laughing! Bless you!! xD

Iluminada wrote: "Wow! Lucifel, you described the book "One-Hundred Years of Solitude" to the point! Thank you! Many people just don't do justice to this fantastic story-telling book. I read the book first in SPA..."

Thank you Iluminada and Lucifel for your beautifully-written reviews of one of the most magical and challenging books I have ever read. "One-Hundred Years of Solitude" is an epic with enough tears and pathos, as well as comedic elements, for a hundred lifetimes.
I was fortunate enough to spend nine weeks with Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his opus in a graduate level Contemporary Literature course taught by an instructor who taught from the perspective of Edenic archetype which provided a template for understanding the numerous triumphs and tragedies as the overwhelming desire to get back to the garden and find redemption and peace. It was right after Marquez had won the Nobel prize; little did I know how involved I would become with the politics of the United States, Cuba, and Latin America in a personal way.
When Marquez tried to come to America he was refused admission. I was deeply entrenched in mythical Macondo at the time. The threads of corrupt government and public hypocricy as well as personal tragedy were interwoven in both fact and fiction as I reeled from the stunning revelation that a long-time friendship between Fidel Castro and Gabriel Garcia Marquez was the reason fearful and nebulous powers reared the "Not Welcome" sign to Marquez. He needed to visit a sick relative and was denied that most humane of reasons simply because of his affiliation with a Communist...one that we, had in fact, put in power. The Latin American students and several English majors joined in a protest against the actions of the United States. We were angry that a country would be so treacherous; teaching an author in colleges and awarding him the Nobel Prize then denying a visit to that same country was the antithesis of justice; a mockery of democracy; another cop-out as the media hinted at some darker, insidious motive Marquez might have.
Gradually, the group I was in became integrated with another Latin American group who invited a poet from Mexico to come speak. He was allowed to cross our hallowed borders and speak of the kidnappings and executions in Mexico; it was his associatin with the USA that made him a person of interest to the Mexican government just as Marquez was in the States. The irony was just too rich.
There was a large and vocal movement to allow Marquez into the country; we wrote passionate letters and held rallies. Thus, both book and author were pivotal figures in the ethics of democracy and The First Amendment and whether its rights included foreign authors. Even if the United States had made a profit from the sales of a best-selling Nobel Prize winning book; could the political affiliations become an issue? Maybe the folk who rolled on the floor laughing would sit up and shake the dirt out of their hair and the dust in their brains if they realized how much this writer and his book affected them personally. For when one man is denied freedom; all men are denied that most basic right, by proxy.
In the December 2008 edition of "Vanity Fair" I have kept a photo of Fidel Castro and Gabriel Garcia Marquez taken by the iconic photographer Helmut Newton in Havana, 1987. A grizzled Fidel Castro looks like he's just spotted Che Guevara picking Donald Trump's pocket; he is holding a martini glass in his hand while Marquez looks on, a blurry foreground showing only his noble profile in sharp relief.
It is a classic. They had a friendship long before Cuba; Castro admired Marquez' writing and Marquez valued the intellect of his friend Fidel; there was never any proof of political duplicity between the two; never any reason, really, to bar him from America
I took away the two most important influences; the leit motif in my writing from "One-Hundred Years of Solitude." Redemption through loss and the resilience of the human spirit are the gifts that Marquez gave me in this book.
It is not what you know but who you know that decides one's fate, regardless~~Was he ever allowed in our country?
Ah! Still a chance to learn more; the legend lives on!

I'm Latin American, and most people I know who read the book, friends and family , LOVED it. My sister didn't find it difficult at all. I don't see the same for English speakers. I think the book communicates to a certain culture and literary tradition English speakers are not used to. We are used to, for example, with many characters and long sentences with (or without) comma and words wanderings.Not that it is better or worse, but a way of writing. But, anyway, I'll read it and I'll see who I agree with.

Thank you for your input, Maira, and I think that is a very astute observation on the different styles of writing and the cultural context which cannot be ignored; I do think I mentioned I was so grateful to have a professor as well as Latin American friends in a classroom setting to help me get as much as I could get in this book rich with superb writing; tradition;poignancy and the "magical realism" which I found enlightening --requiring re-reading many passages which, in the end, were absolutely worth it as the lyrical language Marquez wrote in transcends all gaps in communication and rightfully takes its place as Nobel Prize Winner.
Happy reading, thank you for your comment,Maira...Please let us know your feelings after reading it.
Cheers,
willow

I'm about half through the book now so my opinion is incomplete... But the fact that the family keeps reusing variations of the same name is pretty frustrating, among other things. Perhaps it's supposed to reflect a regular practice of the culture? But in book form it's needlessly confusing. And repetitive. Can't the grandson just be Juan Arcadio? Or maybe Carles? Pretty please?

Also, just a weird novel in general. I'll just leave it at that.

Jeff wrote: "I'm about half through the book now so my opinion is incomplete... But the fact that the family keeps reusing variations of the same name is pretty frustrating, among other things. Perhaps it's sup..."

Jeff wrote: "I'm about half through the book now so my opinion is incomplete... But the fact that the family keeps reusing variations of the same name is pretty frustrating, among other things. Perhaps it's sup..."
I am glad you admitted you were not finished; I spend so much research and time and serious feed-back when I review a book; you would be better off with something that requires no effort; no understanding or respect of the Latin American culture which several writers explained -why even bother to comment? I wonder what the last good book you read was...or if you finished it!
I am so frustrated by the fact you commented just because you could. You are not interesting enough to even be weird; actually.
What a relief!

Willow wrote: "Jeff wrote: "I'm about half through the book now so my opinion is incomplete... But the fact that the family keeps reusing variations of the same name is pretty frustrating, among other things. Per..."

Please accept my apologies if i came off as berating the book. Part of what makes it an interesting read is the strangeness of a few select parts. I didn't mean "weird" in a condescending way, though I can understand if it seemed that way. I'm relatively new to the site and perhaps I misinterpreted the utility of commenting on reviews-- i was commenting on the original poster's review, not reviewing the book itself. 

That being said, plenty of people read multiple books at once. I had just finished a different one and was planning to go back to this book, but i decided to thumb through the reviews and see what others thought. Lo and behold, someone else found the similar names in the Buendia family mildly confusing, and i found that amusing and to a certain degree relieving. So I commented about it, unaware that it would spark a firestorm of cynicism and judgement.

If you knew anything about me, you'd know that i have a tremendous respect for and interest in Latin American and Spanish culture. But instead you took the tiniest inkling of information about me and made assumptions about who i am or how "interesting" i could be. Furthermore if you were genuinely curious about the last book i've read and whether or not I have finished it, couldn't you click on my name and find out? It must be easy to be snobby to people you've never met over the internet... Perhaps I am partly to blame because of the manner in which i said what i said, and because i didnt use my first comment to actually review the book, and for that i am sorry. But it is so far, as others have stated, a well written (often poetic) book that can be difficult to get through for some but is worth it.

Jeff wrote: "Willow wrote: "Jeff wrote: "I'm about half through the book now so my opinion is incomplete... But the fact that the family keeps reusing variations of the same name is pretty frustrating, among ot..."
Jeff, your criticism is justified and I apologize; I am very sorry and, you are right...I was getting so tired and frustrated and am always under pressure (my own) to treat everyone kindly I really vented on you; I mean I hope you keep reading and reviewing books; I was rude to you because I could be; I couldn't be snobby to people I know; I am sure my feelings would have been hurt; I am really sorry and you could have been rude right back but you weren't; I was almost hoping you would be a jerk so I could taunt you now and then~~:)but, alas, you are too nice. now I will have to find someone else. I am joking and much of what I said was teasing; I must admit I spent about 8 weeks in a Contemporary Literature class; I don't know if I would have ; well, I do know I would have felt just like you; I was really hoping you would reply and we could start a conversation; I just read what I wrote and arghhhhhh I am really sorry; I would rather be anything than uninteresting; maybe a good night's sleep is needed because I am not a mean person at all; I do like your comment about sparking afirestorm of cynicism and judgement; Ido think I am the only one who responded and the only judgement is on myself;maybe I am not as nice as I think I am?
Well, my brother's name was Jeff; he died a few months ago and we always had debates and silly arguements; I miss him so much that just the name "Jeff" made mefeel better; now that is weird, bona fide weird; I am really missing him; I think I would have picked on you no matter what just to look at my email and see the name...
I just finished writing about how hard it is to write a review; a friend of mine made a comment about how writers depend on society to write reviews and it really is difficult to be fresh and original and keep from being biased...when it is a review for a friend it is oh, like four hours for two paragraphs since my writing is also being scrutinized and , well, I shouldn't have taken it out on you, really if you will try to understand; I would like to see the last book you read; is it "Peter Pan?'
I hope you know I am joking, I do that alot so I don't have to feel what I don't want to feel; are you on Facebook?
I'm not; just kidding; okay Jeff? I am clicking on your name and you can click on mine and, as I said, I had a professor and classmates to help me understand the book; what I usually do when I have a hard time is google the writer and then read enough information to help myself understand better; there are quotes and explanations and if that would enrich your reading; try and see.
Catch-22 is sacred to most people; I honestly could not get through it. I don't admit that anymore; I was almost forced to give up my English Degree.
I was a high-school drop-out before goingto college andbecoming a teacher; just so you know I am not one of those intellectual snobs; although I am intelligent. Common sense? Not so much! Have a good night; I was a real jerk; keep reading and writing, Jeff!
Cheers,willow

I should have done that with the family tree page. I bet I look at it give times every time I read.

That's "five" times not "give" times.

Im sorry but this review is the best thing I have ever read on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Im not even joking.

I have to agree that the books is very heavy and it took me two months, TWO MONTHS!, to finish it the first time -yeah, I've read it more than once. This is no light read and one must be very patient.

Gabriel García Marquez achieved what promised with the title. The character are complex and plagued with some solitude, be it living under a tree or inside your own world like Remedios.

The story is tragic and captures the feel of many Latin American countries (I can easily see my grandmother in Ursula), the writing style is superb and the story ties together neatly at the end leaving you with the feeling of have witnessed one hundred years of history.

I do recommend the book to the brave hearted but always with the warning that if you begin then you must go all the way through. Cien Años de Soledad is an experience that can be painful but leaves you with a sense of satisfaction.

All in all Gabriel Garcia Marquez did a fantastic job. Good writing, storytelling and it gets you right in the feels, particularly the ones of nostalgia, wonder and, yes, of loneliness in a world ever so changing.

I appreciate your review Francisco.

We share the same thoughts but for me, I also lose interest in the characters really quick. The way everyone is sad and solitary gets boring halfway through. Each person's decisions doesn't bother me. The ending at least was quick. In summary, One Hundred Years of Solitude is too painful to read if you don't like psychology or something.

this is one of the best reviews ever, you have a gift! I love this book but I also love your perspective. well done.

Great review. I so agree!

Hahahaha! What a moronic "review." I think you are right, this book is not for you. Stick to Doctor Seuss!

If you want to try again, in celebration of his life, maybe, you might try News of a Kidnapping. GGM was a journalist before a novelist.

Hey Balam, what's wrong with Doctor Seuss? He's one of my favorites and some of his stuff is quite deep. Have you ever really read anything by Doctor Seuss?

THANK YOU DIANA. THANK YOU. I was holding that in for SO LONG.

Why hold it in? It's the truth :)

So you're tellng me that your review is the most accepted by people here. What a pity that you can not enjoy the best Spanish written work from the XX century. Maybe it is due to Anglo lack of knowledge of Latin American culture.

precisely my thoughts said aloud. Made me laugh. 5 stars for your review.

lls hundred years of turture. u funny grl

Well my aim joining to this site was not involving in endless quarrels, but for this one I could not help myself. I disagree with some commentators telling, the book is something you can understand only if you are familiar/interested with Latin American culture just to justify this review. I live in middle east, If I start digging a hole I will get out somewhere in South America, though there were so many parts in the book I read with a grim smile in my face, because all the corruptions, greed, decayedness mentioned in the book are still happening around us. So it is not necessary to have stoned mind (as our reviewer suggests here) to write something like this or appreciate the universal themes told by Marquez.Being a little more sensitive with humanities problems and being more interested in world affairs would help a great deal to understand this wonderful novel.
The most unfair review I have ever read.

Spot on review. I can't finish it, I'm bored and constantly confused. Glad to know I'm not alone!

Spot on review. I can't finish it, I'm bored and constantly confused. Glad to know I'm not alone!

May be you have to study more about history and tradition of Colombia to understand the real meaning of the book.

If Dan Brown could just write a new book where José Arcadio Buendía travels to Spain to undercover clues to whether Jesus Christ was really a gypsy, while under the attack of an albino a guy with an entirely different sounding name that's easy to remember, you guys would be so happy.

Slow down when you read a book. When you zip through and finish it in a week, you don't win a prize. Who cares if you even finished it?

The prize is reading the book!

Craig wrote: "Slow down when you read a book"
Thing is Craig, however much people slow down, this book isn't for people in the earlier stages of the literary journey. Diana up there thinks that Dr Seuss is deep. Then there's this gem:
Yaboimazz wrote: "lls hundred years of turture. u funny grl"

Agreed

Agreed

And I thought I was the only person who was getting confused with the names and the relations between the characters...:)