Short description
In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs--yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again.
Review
This shining and heartbreaking novel may be one of the greatest love stories ever told. -- The New York Times Book Review
A love story of astonishing power.... Altogether extraordinary. -- Newsweek
Brilliant, provocative...magical...splendid writing. -- Chicago Tribune
Beguiling, masterly storytelling.... Garcia Marquez writes about love as saving grace, the force that makes life worthwhile. -- Newsday
A sumptuous book...[with] major themes of love, death, the torments of memory, the inexorability of old age. -- The Washington Post Book World