Questions About Cien años de soledad

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Answered Questions (61)

Why do struggle to finish this novel? This is the third time I have stalled out more than half way through. I just can't seem to care about this family...tell me: should I tough it out?

MariaJulia Some commenters believe that only someone who has the Latin American "experience" would "get" this novel. I was born in a communist Latin-American cou…moreSome commenters believe that only someone who has the Latin American "experience" would "get" this novel. I was born in a communist Latin-American country and lived there as a young child. I grew up in an American city where over 70% of the population is Latin American. I've read this book (many years ago) in both English and Spanish and it was a chore to finish. Life is too short to waste reading something you don't enjoy. (less)

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As a colombian, I felt "obliged" to read the book, which I did several times, but the genealogical tree of repeated names was driving me crazy and I wasn't able to finish it. So I draw it and I finished the book the fourth time I read it. And when I finished it, I had the biggest smile on my face. It is brilliant! It reflects so much of the colombian magical realism that, might not very appealing to everybody.

Goulven Josse Wikipedia offers a useful description of the family tree ... But i wonder if the author did not mean to confuse the reader on purpose, to emphasise th…moreWikipedia offers a useful description of the family tree ... But i wonder if the author did not mean to confuse the reader on purpose, to emphasise the repetitive nature of the family's history. What matters more than the global picture, maybe, is the wonderful style of each phrase, of each page, the irony, the poetry... It's a wonderful book because it's not written like others, and probably is not meant to be read like others.(less)

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What is the relevance of Aureliano desiring a 9 year old Remedios?

Mattia Yeah that part was unsettling, not to mention that his "love" was presented in such a positive light...
I see it as a simple means to justify his solit…moreYeah that part was unsettling, not to mention that his "love" was presented in such a positive light...
I see it as a simple means to justify his solitude: he's unable to have normal relationships with people and form meaningful bonds. He has always been psychologically devastated, and this resulted in him leading a life of frustrations.(less)

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Fernanda del Carpio's mother succumbed to "five o'clock fever". What is five o'clock fever?

Marilena it is puerperal fever that in the past affected mothers who gave birth; it was caused by infections during/after birth caused by unwashed equipment us…moreit is puerperal fever that in the past affected mothers who gave birth; it was caused by infections during/after birth caused by unwashed equipment used during birth and unwashed hands of midwives and doctors attending the birth. (less)

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This is my #1 go to novel to mention first whenever I'm in a convo about most overrated novels of all time. I consider it self indulgent nonsensical woo of the highest order. Anyone else park their car in the same garage?

Maxine Absolutely. Until I finally finished this plotless repetitive confusing mishmash of people with the same names, I thought "Ulysses" was the most overr…moreAbsolutely. Until I finally finished this plotless repetitive confusing mishmash of people with the same names, I thought "Ulysses" was the most overrated novel of all time. Now it's a tie.
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