51 pages 1 hour read

Gabriel García Márquez

No One Writes To The Colonel

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1961

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

No One Writes to the Colonel by Gabriel García Márquez is a collection of short stories set in small Colombian villages during La Violencia, focusing on themes like political strife, economic disparity, and pride. The titular novella follows an impoverished veteran colonel who, despite never receiving his expected pension, clings to hope while facing corruption and starvation. This collection contains depictions of violence, poverty, and oppression.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Gabriel García Márquez's No One Writes to the Colonel is praised for its poignant portrayal of dignity and frustration under oppressive political conditions. The novella's brevity and sparse prose are both lauded and critiqued; some find it powerfully concise, while others desire more depth. The atmospheric setting and rich character development are consistently highlighted.

Who should read this

Who Should Read No One Writes To The Colonel?

A reader who enjoys No One Writes to the Colonel by Gabriel García Márquez likely appreciates poignant, character-driven narratives and themes of despair and hope. Fans of Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea or Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men will find similar emotional depth and introspective storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride