Love in The Time of Cholera (1985)

In many respects, I greatly enjoyed this book! The author's style reminded me of Orhan Pamuk, whom I also really like. What can I say -- I am a guy who enjoys good love stories. Marquez writes evocatively, compellingly, and sympathetically.

But as for convincing and plausible...well, that's a different story. Why Florentino Daza won the hearts and bodies of so many women -- well, I had to shake my head about that. He didn't seem all that special in physical terms, and he also wasn't particularly silver-tongued or smooth. In addition, Florentino's deliberate pursuit of the underaged girl placed in his charge was positively slimy. How does one reconcile this kind of behavior with his infatuation with Fermina, and why would such such a promiscuous knave could still carry a torch for her after all those years? For me, the pieces simply didn't add up. In addition, Florentino didn't deserve to enjoy a happy ending; truth be told, he was a well-mannered scum bag. What did I miss? ( )

Disliked Florentino Ariza, finding him at turns pathetic, stalker-ish, and sleazy. The incident with América Vicuña just put things over the top. I'm actually editing my rating to knock it down a star, because I don't like the treatment of women in this book generally.

There were enjoyable parts, though, and some delightful, sprightly writing. ( )

The dual protagonists in this novel are, as usual for Marques, fascinating characters whom we are happy to follow through a convoluted lifetime. I thoroughly enjoyed gaining impressions, through them, of the riverboat trade in a previous era of Latin American development, as well as the management of an upper-class household complete with native animals.

The novel concerns a romance conceived between two young people of similar class and background who promptly embark on a vast detour that takes up most of their lives. In order to return to one another in old age, the lovers must complete separate careers, broaden their experience, and perhaps destroy earlier ideals. Florentino explores the interior of his nation, the vagaries of commerce, and (famously, although predictably for Marquez) his own wide-ranging sexuality. Fermina discovers the shortcomings of material and political security in a loveless marriage. They both experience tragedy and must confront emotional shortcomings. Finally, as social change and conflict rage around them, they find solace together while pretending to carry cholera—a ruse that both protects and isolates them together.

Engrossing as a sentimental journey, the novel also suggests various symbolic interpretations. An example: A young nation may aspire to be something it’s not, aping the methods of more powerful countries, but must ultimately recognize its own nature and potentials, returning to the foundations of its heritage. In this way, real unity may gradually develop among a diverse citizenry. Such cut and dried explanations add little to one’s enjoyment of the book but can contribute to a sense of its layers of meaning.
( )

Here we have the life of lovelorn Florentino Ariza, whose unremitting love for Fermina Daza remains unquenched despite his many bedded lovers through the years. He patiently awaits his opportunity to resume his romantic overtures first begun before Fermina's marriage (chiefly via reams of letters), which comes late in life, and may come to fruition after all. The novel is mainly set in coastal Colombia (though unnamed). This is a
gorgeous tale from the golden pen of Garcia Marquez. ( )

Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. Love in the Time of Cholera. 13 CDs. unabridged. 15.5 hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2013. ISBN 978148293971.

Nobel Prize winning author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez (One Hundred Years of Solitude) spins a tale of romance and heartbreak that spans decades. Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall hopelessly in love in their youth, but when Fermina forsakes Florentino's love to marry a wealthy doctor, he is anything but dissuaded. He spends a lifetime waiting for her; no woman could ever replace her spot in his heart. Romance is the only thing that he can live for and as long as Fermina lives, even with another man, his heart will keep beating in the hope that he can win her back. This story of unrequited love is unsurpassed in it's eloquence, tragedy, and redemption. Beautifully told by the talented voice actor Armando Duranwhose strong voice carries the story along . Although translated from it's original Spanish, Duran keeps the Spanish roots present with his accent and masterful pronunciation. A wonderful classic for fans of narrative and historical literature. Erin Cataldi, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN ( )