Reviews

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel García Márquez

thescarletbumblebee's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This… was a strange short story… As an English teacher, I had to read this as part of our curriculum. I honestly would not have picked this up for any other reason. While I found this to be a good introduction to magical realism, I had a hard time getting into the story to begin with and was rather put off with the story overall. However, perhaps that’s Marquez’s point: our conception of miracles and divinity can sometimes make us feel put off and disappointed when we see them in person. There are a lot of fascinating themes at play in this story and I honestly do think that they are worth analyzing. The actual story though? Not one I’m gonna return to for the sake of enjoying it.

gortellone's review

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5.0

Questo pugno di pagine richiede zero impegno e ti lascia tanto.

sofiephox's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

the_bitching_bibliophile's review

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4.0

Gabriel García Márquez's captivating short story, "The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings," delves into the depths of irony and hypocrisy while exploring the fear of the unknown and the concept of "otherness." Within the narrative, Márquez critiques the stigmatization of individuals who are different from society's norms, shedding light on the flawed moral framework embedded within religion and society as a whole. This thought-provoking tale invites readers to reflect on the significance of empathy, kindness, and the ability to recognize miracles that surround us daily. Through a careful examination of key passages, we can uncover the underlying themes of this masterpiece, which challenge us to reevaluate our own beliefs and actions.

Gabriel García Márquez's "The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" serves as a profound exploration of irony and hypocrisy within the context of fear of the unknown and the concept of "otherness." By examining the characters' behaviors and interactions, we uncover a rich tapestry of critique aimed at societal norms, religion, and the inherent flaws of humanity. The story's underlying themes compel us to reevaluate our own beliefs, actions, and treatment of those who may be different from us. In doing so, we can strive to embrace empathy, kindness, and a deeper understanding of the miracles that surround us, ultimately transforming our own lives and the world we inhabit.

vickyoyarzun's review against another edition

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4.0

García Márquez nunca decepciona en sus cuentos, lo poco que se impresionan las personas del pueblo al encontrarse con este hombre alado y 'hacedor de milagros irónicos', para después ignorarlo totalmente luego de la llegada de un fenómeno más exótico encuentro que es una analogía a la creencia y ostentosidad en el espectáculo religioso.

El cuento a pesar de ser breve abre una enormidad de preguntas: Qué pasaría si un ser divino fuera igual que nosotros? Qué define a lo divino? Finalmente el ser humano define cuando lo divino se vuelve profano?...

sidharthvardhan's review against another edition

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5.0

Have you ever consider the possibility that even if something divine did exist, it must be something very different from what representatives of various religions represent it to be? Here is an angel that is not anywhere as glorious as religions will have us believe. Like in other Marquez story I have read 'The Handsomest Drowned Man In the World' the centeral character himself never utters a word, we only get reactions from other people.

There are also the themes of ficklish sensationalism in general and the way religion is often reduced to entertainment for purposes of money.


Read it free:

https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~cinichol/CreativeWriting/323/MarquezManwithWings.htm

caitlinmxrris's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

2.5

tegan2013's review against another edition

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fast-paced

2.75

melissalikesmilk's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

katie_l21's review against another edition

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3.0

Very weird read.