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Remembering My Sad Whores, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
This novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of the human experience. It's a poignant and thought-provoking read that'll leave you reflecting on life's biggest questions.
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A Tangled Web of Desire and Age
summarizeEditor's Summary
I just finished reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novel, Remembering My Unhappy Mistresses, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around my emotions. While I appreciate the author's bold approach to tackling sensitive topics, I found myself struggling to connect with the story. I've tried reading other works by this author, but I just don't enjoy his style in general. I think he's a brilliant writer, but his writing doesn't resonate with me. The repetition in One Hundred Years of Solitude was a major turn-off, and I found myself getting lost in the endless cycle of events. Despite its genius, I just can't seem to get on board with this author's unique voice and storytelling style. I found the writing to be vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualize the characters and settings. The themes of love, loss, and identity are timeless and thought-provoking, and the characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with rich backstories and motivations. However, the repetition in the story can be overwhelming and makes it hard to stay engaged, and the characters' relationships can be confusing and difficult to follow.
settingsSpecifications
KararKötü
Bitiş3/10
KonuYönü5/10
HikayeKalitesi4/10
KarakterGelişimi6/10
YazarınSavunması8/10
A Tangled Web of Desire and Age
As I finished reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novel, Remembering My Unhappy Mistresses, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, I appreciate the author's bold approach to tackling a sensitive topic. On the other hand, I found myself struggling to connect with the story.
I'll admit that I didn't exactly love this novel. Not because the author is brave enough to tackle a tough topic – I think that's actually a strength. And it's not because they're trying to sugarcoat the situation (which I'm not a fan of, but that's not why I gave it a low score). To be honest, I just don't enjoy this author's work in general. I'm one of those readers who finds Gabriel Garcia Marquez a bit of a struggle. I tried reading One Hundred Years of Solitude and it just didn't click with me. I've got mixed feelings about 100 Years of Solitude even now – yes, I acknowledge its genius, but personally, it's the endless cycle of repetition and the way the characters seem to be living out each other's lives that really gets to me.
I've tried reading other works by this author, but I always hit a wall and struggle to keep going. This novel was readable for me mainly because it's not a huge book, so I was able to finish it over a few evenings. And yeah, I ended up returning it to the library because I just don't feel like keeping it at home. As much as I respect the 'classics', I'd rather build my personal library based on my own tastes and preferences, not just because something's on the 'must-read' list. So, what's the grand or genius thing I'm supposed to be getting out of this?
The story revolves around an older man who's spent his life using women for one thing – sex. He's never really loved or connected with anyone. Now, at his age, something's finally clicked. I'm not buying it, but the story's got a right to exist. Just like my review.
Markes did an amazing job capturing the inner world of an older man who's spent his life using women for one thing – sex. He's never really loved or connected with anyone. Now, at his age, something's finally clicked. I'm not buying it, but the story's got a right to exist.
I've got to say, the whole 'great love story' thing doesn't sit right with me. I mean, a 90-year-old guy who's clearly lost his mind wanting to be with a 14-year-old girl? Sorry, but at that age, she's not a consenting adult. She's a kid whose psyche is still developing, and she's not equipped to handle that kind of situation. I know some people might say that in the past, people were mature at a younger age, but that's just not true. Just because something was normal back then doesn't mean it's okay now.
I'm not buying the argument that the girl's age is irrelevant. In my opinion, it's a huge red flag. For me, this is like pedophilia, a sickness and a mental deviation. I can barely understand it when it's about two teenagers with a few years' difference. Hormones are raging, you want the forbidden fruit and all that. But when an OLD grandfather with his fantasies DEMANDS an innocent girl to 'celebrate his anniversary'? Excuse me, that's already a red flag. Not in terms of the writing, but in terms of the character's sanity.
I'm repeating myself – such a plot is perfectly acceptable and even normal if the author handles it well and steers it in a certain direction with clear moral conclusions. Or shows the final moral and physical collapse of a person who thinks about these things. Because shock literature also has a right to exist as long as it doesn't break the laws of the country where it's published. Unfortunately, I didn't see that here. Maybe I just didn't read it well or I have a biased attitude towards the author (because I don't consider myself a fan, but I'm not a hater either. I just coexist with him).
My biggest issue with the novel is its ending. The attempt to tie everything up with some kind of 'right' and happy ending just didn't sit well with me. I'm not saying the author is wrong, but for me, the way the story resolved felt like a form of pedophilia. Period. It's similar to what happened in Lolita, but at least in that case, there was no attempt to justify the character's actions. Nabokov showed a sick individual, and even explored the root of their complexes and fantasies in one scene. In this novel, the ending felt overly sentimental and vague. I'm not saying I'm right, but it just didn't resonate with me.
I've already touched on the plot above, but I'll say it again to make sure we're on the same page. The story's about an older guy – just a grandpa, really. He works at a newspaper, is super well-read and knowledgeable, and everyone at the office looks up to him. He seems like a great guy, if it wasn't for his weird fascination with finding a 14-year-old prostitute to celebrate 'life's milestone'. I mean, not every guy makes it to that age, and can still... you know, 'make it happen'. I'm a guy myself, but this fixation on sex really threw me – it's both fascinating and a little unsettling. I get that people have different libidos, and there are stories online about older guys who still have it going on. But, in my opinion, you can't go against biology. In our imaginations and stories, we're all gods, but real life is often more subdued and... unremarkable, if you know what I mean.
Overall, the 'intelligent intellectual' persona gets shattered by his obsessive desire. Or maybe that's just the author's joke about how there are pedophiles lurking in the quiet depths of academia.
I was surprised by how easy it was to read this story. There were no stumbles or awkward moments – it just flowed. I've read around 5 books by this author before, but this one was the most straightforward and easy to follow. I'm not talking about the content here, just the text's structure and format. And yeah, I know I was reading a translation (the quality of which depends on the translator's skills), but in this case, it was surprisingly smooth and quick to get through.
So a huge thanks to the translator for their work.
As for the plot, I was skeptical. Reasons why are above. I don't see the point in considering anything else, since it all boils down to one idea: the author's wondering what 'feeling' arose between the girl and the grandfather who paid her. And throughout the story, we're trying to figure out the answer. In my opinion, a pedophile's a pedophile everywhere. And what kind of feeling could there be when their first encounter was just the kid working for pay? Only someone really out of touch with this world could think girls/boys go into this line of work for the sake of their own desires.
No, they're driven by need, necessity – they need to eat. Or someone else decides it for them – to pay off family debts, or other reasons. Some people just get trapped in sex slavery (sadly, this still happens today). So what kind of feeling could there be between the 'employer' – this old grandfather – and the little girl, who's in a strange place and has no idea why she was brought here?
For me, the answer is clear as day. But the author has a different take, and throughout the novel, they try to lead us to a specific conclusion that things aren't as black and white as they seem. I've always found it weird with people who love 'theories' – I just want to ask them, 'If this happened to your daughter or granddaughter, would you be saying the same thing about the nuances of the situation?' It's just strange how it's all about nuance when it doesn't affect us personally, but as soon as it's about a character or their family, it's suddenly twisted and cries for justice.
I wouldn't wish this situation on anyone. Can older people love? Of course, they can. Just imagine it – yes, they can. But for me, it's a bit weird to sexualize their relationships with younger people. I'm not saying that if someone's led a promiscuous life, their desires won't still be there in old age. But that's not what I'm talking about. I believe in a pure and kind love without any sexual connotations between older people and strangers, especially children. Because by that point, they've lived their lives, and all that's left is the wisdom and experience they've gained. On the other hand, you have a young person with their whole life ahead of them.
And amidst all that, genuine and innocent friendships can sometimes form. People want to be heard, others are interested in sharing their experiences. Or not. It's all about individual perspectives, and I'm not going to make sweeping statements that would trap me in stereotypes.
I just don't see the piercing, pure love that's supposed to be at the heart of this story. I don't see the grandeur that's being forced down my throat. No, not my cup of tea. And then there are all those glowing reviews online, where people write about the genuine love that can even bloom in an elderly person's heart. Yeah, right. Let's just say it's not pedophilia when you take a girl to bed – it's the start of a beautiful, long-lasting love.
I have to say, the novel remembering my unhappy mistresses is actually an interesting read. The text is written in a way that's easy to follow and quick to read. If you're a fan of the author's work, I'd recommend checking this one out too. However, I strongly disagree with the way it's been filled out. I'd give it three stars (and not a single point less) because it's just a work of fiction (just like Lolita). Not a factual account of a sick pervert's life. And, of course, I'm not just judging the content – I'm also looking at how it's been written.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What are the main themes of Remembering My Unhappy Mistresses?
The novel explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The author delves into the experiences of women and their struggles with societal expectations and personal desires.
Is this book suitable for all audiences?
While the novel deals with mature themes, it's not excessively graphic or explicit. However, some readers may find the content uncomfortable or triggering due to its portrayal of sensitive topics.
What's the significance of the title 'Remembering My Unhappy Mistresses'?
The title reflects the novel's focus on the experiences of women and their struggles with love, loss, and identity. The phrase 'unhappy mistresses' refers to the complexities and nuances of human relationships.
Is this book part of a series or a standalone novel?
Remembering My Unhappy Mistresses is a standalone novel, but it shares some connections with Gabriel Garcia Marquez's other works, particularly One Hundred Years of Solitude.
What's the historical context of the novel?
The novel is set in a fictional town in Colombia and draws inspiration from the country's rich cultural heritage and history. The author weaves together elements of mythology, folklore, and real-life events to create a unique narrative.
How does the author's use of magical realism contribute to the story?
The author's use of magical realism adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. This style allows the reader to become fully immersed in the world and characters.
What's the significance of the character's relationships in the novel?
The characters' relationships are central to the novel's exploration of love, loss, and identity. The author delves into the complexities and nuances of human connections, highlighting the ways in which relationships can both heal and harm us.
Is this book a good introduction to Gabriel Garcia Marquez's work?
While Remembering My Unhappy Mistresses is a great novel, it may not be the best introduction to the author's work. Readers who are new to Garcia Marquez's writing may find One Hundred Years of Solitude or Love in the Time of Cholera to be more accessible and engaging.
check_circlePros
- •The author's bold approach to tackling sensitive topics is a major strength
- •The writing is vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualize the characters and settings
- •The themes of love, loss, and identity are timeless and thought-provoking
- •The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with rich backstories and motivations
- •The historical context adds depth and complexity to the story
- •The author's use of magical realism is innovative and engaging
- •The author explores the complexities of human relationships in a unique and captivating way
- •The novel is a great example of magical realism, blending fantasy and reality in a way that's both beautiful and haunting
cancelCons
- •The repetition in the story can be overwhelming and makes it hard to stay engaged
- •The characters' relationships can be confusing and difficult to follow
- •The pacing is slow and meandering, which can make it hard to get through the book
- •The themes and motifs can be heavy-handed and didactic at times
- •The author's unique voice and style can be off-putting for some readers
- •The book is long and dense, making it a commitment to finish
- •The author's use of magical realism can be confusing and difficult to follow at times
- •The novel's focus on the experiences of women can be heavy-handed and didactic at times
