Reviews

No One Writes to the Colonel and Other Short Stories by Gabriel García Márquez

danelleeb's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A slim volume containing the following stories: No One Writes To The Colonel, Tuesday Siesta, One Of These Days, There Are No Thieves In This Town, Balthazar's Marvelous Afternoon, Montiel's Widow, One Day After Saturday, Artificial Roses, Big Mama's Funeral.

Written in [a:Gabriel Garcia-Marquez]'s typical style, which, if you are familiar with him, is both lyrical and nostalgic, magical and yet somehow specific, No One Writes to the Colonel and Other Stories isn't a heafty read, but it is heavy on it's themes - which include: corruption of local and national governmental officials, dignity, poverty, foolishness, and the isolation that results from both rural-ness and poverty. Filled with bits of dark humor, it was a treat to read.


She bore the conscientious serenity of someone accustomed to poverty. (p. 66)

...her movements had the gentle efficiency of people who are used to reality. (p. 80)

sammilynnebob's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

leeminhoe's review against another edition

Go to review page

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

1.0

alberto_alv's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Un excelente libro que retrata una historia más del universo de García Márquez. Corto y contundente. Nada especial pero nada malo tampoco.

gaylan_ig's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective slow-paced

4.25

marc129's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

This story is clearly a prequel on "100 years of loneliness". Marquez hasn't painted yet his exuberant world here, but the ingredients are the same: a 75-year-old colonel, who leads a desolate life with his wife, especially since his son was murdered; he has been waiting for his pension for 15 years; every Friday he visits the postmaster in vain; the only hope rests with the cock of his son who might win a big prize in cockfighting. Nonsense, absurdity and inhumanity predominate in this short story. Didn't really resonate.

buntesbook's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Nie do końca do mnie dotarła

spe31's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

furia139's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

lenak's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5