Book review: Love in the Time of Cholera

I think during one of my previous posts, I happened to mention that I was reading Love in the Time of Cholera. Some of you may be wondering how that is coming along. Truthfully, I have not yet finished the book. It's quite long and extremely descriptive. However, I think I can give a fairly good rundown of the plot thus far, and my recommendation regarding that book in relation to the general populace of people who read this blog.

The book takes place in South America, I believe. The majority of the book has been a flashback in the loves of two elderly people who were once in love. She, Fermina Daza, chooses to marry someone else for fame and wealth; her admirer, Florentino Ariza, busies himself having illicit relations for the next fifty-five years in 622 illicit relationships. Then, Fermina Daza husband, Dr. Juvenal Urbino, takes a rather nasty spill on account of a parrot in a tree and dies tragically. Florentino Ariza comes to the funeral to announce once again his unparalleled love for the widow.

Now, from the standpoint of a writer, I have to say I can see why Gabriel Garcia Marquez won a Nobel Prize for Literature. The man is a genius. His prose is profound and rich and vivid. For that alone, I would say the book is worth reading.

But...

There's a lot of love-making in the book and, I repeat, Marquez is quite vivid in his description. Granted, the book originates in a different culture than our own, and one must take that into consideration. However, it happens frequently so you must also take that into consideration. Also, the book does not move quickly, especially during the first section of the novel in which the author takes at least 30-odd pages to lead up to the death of Fermina's husband. So far, there have been 2 F-words, as well.

Overall, the book explores the depths of the human psyche when engaged in a complex relationship. If you are able to deal with the frequent sex, then I would say read it. However, the book is certainly adult-oriented in many of its themes, so be careful. That being said, the book deserves all of the critical acclaim it has received. But what do I know? I've only read to page 212.