Love in the time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is the book I’ll be talking about today. Like I had told you in one of my earlier posts, it was only after seeing this in almost every ‘Top 10 Books Read’ List on Facebook that I decided to pick this up for a read. After all, I had to find out what the fuss was all about, right? Moreover, it’s always a great feeling to add a new author to my ‘Authors Read Till Date’ list. Yes, I’m silly that way!
This time tough I picked it up without any expectations because I didn’t want to be disappointed again by virtue of my unrealistic hopes from a book.
But did the book live up to all the fuss?
I think it did all because of the substance in the tale and the characters. It might sound cliched but in spite of being just another love story, it really wasn’t just another love story! It was in fact much much more!
Let me tell you that Love in the time of Cholera is not a light read. No, sir. It is an intense tale of love which cannot be read at one go. So I took time. Two whole weeks with a day or two more even. And in spite of that, I actually wanted to turn the pages to find out what happens to Fermina and Florentino at the end. There was a strange pull.
You must read it. But stay away from it if you don’t have the patience for deep and powerful reads which unfold at their own set pace.
Some points or rather quotes in the book are so poignant and hard hitting that it’s hard not to devour the book and still keep thinking about it at a later point in time. Still keep thinking about Fermina & Florentino and their strange love story. Of course, I have to mention that apart from those two I was also very much taken in by the character of Dr. Urbino. Let’s just say Love in the time of Cholera spoke about love, true love, something which in spite of sounding surreal does exist, even in this say and age. Yes, I’m a believer.
Some of the beautiful lines from the book for you.
“Tell him yes. Even if you are dying of fear, even if you are sorry later, because whatever you do, you will be sorry all the rest of your life if you say no.”“The only regret I will have in dying is if it is not for love.”“Amputees suffer pains, cramps, itches in the leg that is no longer there. That is how she felt without him, feeling his presence where he no longer was.”“and the two of them loved each other for a long time in silence without making love again.”
Do I recommend the book?
I most certainly do but as I said you need to know if you are up for it.
How was the experience?
Satisfying! I mostly don’t read long descriptions, they tend to bore me. But for this book I made the exception. I read every damn line.
What am I reading now?
Life or Death by Michael Robotham. Loving it so far!
A single line blurb of the book : Why would a man escape from prison the day before he’s due to be released? Read to find out.
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Linking this to Write Tribe Festival.
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This book has been on my TBR list for long! Must pick it up soon, now! The few dialogues that you shared from the book are so profound and powerful!
Thank you for such a wonderful review! the lines are indeed beautiful and after reading these, I am going for this book for sure 🙂
err u know this is one of thebook tht actually scares me :-/
I like how you reviewed it Naba. Sounds interesting! I've seen this book doing the rounds too! I feel more receptive to reading it now 🙂
I read it some time back and like I took time. it's not a light read and you need to relax and enjoy the read more than the story. Nice review Naba.
Enjoyed your honest review, Naba. Your line about the description "I read every damn line" made me laugh. The book sounds like a heavy read but worth it.
Amazing! I'm so loving those lines from the book you shared. I am actually up for it- to read this book! I guess it will be one of my favourites after Gone with the Wind. 🙂 Thanks for a lovely review, Naba. Waiting for the review of Life or Death.
I also liked how you read "every damn line". It made me giggle because I wasn't expecting that at all! LOL
this book is a journey…glad you loved it 🙂
Well, as you said this is a difficult book to go through and sadly I've tried many times and given up.
I tried reading it..may be I wasnt up for it. I shall try again.
Wow! Like you I have heard so much about this book. I will put it on my wishlist. Enjoyed your review.
Good review, I just love this book and all of them from the author. Likr your reviewing style.
It's a book to check out!
The lines mentioned from the book inspire me to get a copy 🙂
Marquez can never be a light writer even when he writes about romance. Love in the time of cholera is a fabulous love story that grips the reader slwly like a magic show.
Sounds like a good read Naba. Have bookmarked your page.
I have just read this one from Marquez and loved it! Greatl quotes from the book!
The blurb you shared of 'Life or Death' has me intrigued!
Loved the way you have reviewed the book, I have not been reading at all for a long time … hoping to get back to reading again .
I got the book in my stack. It's the intense emotion that's keeping me away from it. Maybe it's time I pick it.