One Hundred Years of Solitude

Rating:
Summary: Written with the intent to CAPTIVATE !!
Review: One of the few books of AP English that I actually finished, this book held me spellbound. It created that thirst that took over 400 pages to satisfy.desc I've read the reviews of others on this site, and most either loved it or hated it. (Which is the usual responce when a book this amazing is written.) The slow, destined, circular descent of the Buendia family promoted the view that time does not travel in a straight line, but twists and turns and repeats itself. The family represents mankind (i think), and many of the occurences and metaphors of the story remind the reader of historical and psychological truths. And the little tidbits of "whaat!" kept the book light-hearted and fun to read, as all 400 page books should be. Those who didnt like it probably mis-directed their attention, avoided the depth but critiqued the purposely shallow ends of the book. In conclusion, a beautiful read, definitly should be required reading for all of humanity!

Rating:
Summary: This is the best novel I have EVER read!!
Review: Having heard a little too much about Garcia Marquez before reading the book, my expectations were not extremely high. However, the symbolism and magic-realism and beauty of this incredible history of a family swept me away. I encourage anyone that enjoys Latin American literature, or literature at all, to find this book, read it and pass it on.

Rating:
Summary: more stars than the firmament....
Review: I wish I could have given this book "no stars:" it's a book that deserves every star that man, god or science has created, and nothing we can put here on the internet (or in any review in any medium) would do it the eternal justice it deserves. A dream of a book: I would pick it up the day after having read forty pages, start the next chapter, and wonder where it was I had left off the night before. A book that gives off narcotic fumes, that gives off disembowling violence, love, and indifference. A book that deserves more awards than humankind can bestow.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Marquezian!!!
Review: If you have read anything from Marquez, you know he is indeed a god with words. This book is at the usual Marquez level - absolutely fabulous!!

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and Amazing
Review: Marquez is a GOD with language. I loved this epic. Few books have held me as tightly as this one did.

Rating:
Summary: "I have been seduced."
Review: From the opening sentence to the last paragraph, this book had the power to remove me from the present and lift me into the lives and times of the Buendia family. If the reader can suspend analytical thoughts and reactions and enter the world of magic realism created in the pages, he will be rewarded with an adventure and characters as vivid as any he could ask for. I am embarrassed at just how much of the deepest meaning of this book I don't understand, but am more than satisfied at having read what I consider to be a masterpiece of creativity. This is one of the few books which I purchased after having read it. I felt a need to own it -- so I could read and reread the last three pages, each time with tears in my eyes and my heart beating faster. I thank the friend who introduced me to Garcia-Marquez, storyteller extraordinaire.

Rating:
Summary: Like slowly drinking a delicious cup of coffee ..
Review: I recommend that readers try to forget about all reviews they have read about this book before they start reading it. It can be a dissapointment if you expect to read a "life-changing" story, or be captivated by one character for the rest of your life. I don't think Marquez intended his characters to be captivating figures. They are ordinary people, like most of us; with their loves, hatreds, mistakes, and stupidities. What makes you admire Marquez is the way a hundred years of human life is displayed in this novel with such fluency and glow, and not so much the nature or ending of those stories. The book takes you through many faces of life: happiness, sadness, grief, annoyance, despair; but always keeps your heart warm. It leaves a sweet-bitter aftertaste in your palate; but that's it. Don't expect it to remain there to change your life.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely One of the Finest Novels I have ever read.
Review: Even now, as I write this review, tears gather in my eyes. It is a most unforgettable book. I am amazed at Marquez's sensitive genius. I will never tire of reading this book.

Rating:
Summary: The best novel of our times, but....
Review: The novel is enchanting, but the translation to English has two mistakes... First: It omited the explanation on the banana plantation. The walking through the banana plantation was a supernatural walk because when a person was close to another person, they had to shout at each other to be able to hear; on the other hand, if they were standing about one hundred yards from each other, one of the persons could whispered anything and the other person could hear what he/she said as if that person was next to him/her. For that reason everybody wanted to take a walk through the plantation. Second: The Spanish version said that Aureliano Segundo looked for a woman (Fernanda)that "he would not make happy", not a woman that "would not make him happy".

Rating:
Summary: Grand
Review: I was attracted to this book pretty late by the title. There was nothing small about this book. I think this is definitely the greatest magic-realism genre book and possibly the best novel to come out of south America. The book is a waterfall of heart-wrenching emotions. I felt evolved after reading it. Great book.