I have finally finished the book that has taken me six months to read. It is the English Major in me that forces me to keep reading even when a book is boring or absurd. Love in the Time of Cholera is boring, absurd, pathetic, abundant and gorgeous. Every time I tell someone that I am reading this book they talk about the ending and say, "Call me when you finish so we can discuss the ending." The end of the book was true to it's reputation, it was epic. There is, I have found, variation on the interpretation of the ending. Is it love's triumph? Or is it love's pathetic decay? I claim the latter. I am glad I read this book and have joined the ranks of those who know the famous/infamous ending to Love in the Time of Cholera. Would I recommend this book to a friend? Definitely, but keep a bunch of kids books and chic lit around for the days/weeks/months when you just can't read another page of Love in the Time of Cholera.
5 comments:
Oh my goodness!!! I am totally doing the same thing right now.
I started it about 4 months ago and have read probably 10 other books (including rereading Little Women) just to avoid finishing it. I just can't do it. It's blah.
I don't know what all the hype is about.
I did just finish a great book of short stories.
I know I am late to the party on this one (it won the Pulitzer in 2000 I think), but if you haven't read it, try it.
"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri
Will you be my book source? i don't think I will attack this classic, but will you tell me what to read? I'm actually embarrassed how little I really do read. My attention span is lacking or I fall asleep. Anyway, give me a good summer read that will enlighten me. Please?
Doddles, I will definitely try the short stories. How funny that we are both reading Cholera in the same six months span! Kath, I think you should read Larry's Party by Carol Shields. It is a fun read and offers great insight into the modern man.
Okay, Erica, I agree absolutely that it's about decaying love. Two people in their eighties humping on a boat is not a romantic image. Francine Bennion said it was like maggots squirming together. Dede, don't bother with it.
I have taught some Jhumpa Lahiri stories from the short story book. Wonderful writer.
Kath, I recommend Larry's Party as well. It has a whole chapter called "Larry's penis" which is one of the funniest things I've ever read. You won't fall asleep.
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