45 pages 1 hour read

Gabriel García Márquez

The General in His Labyrinth

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The General in His Labyrinth by Gabriel García Márquez chronicles the final seven months of Simón Bolívar’s life as he journeys toward the Colombian coast in hopes of reaching Europe. Amidst declining health and stark poverty, the former liberator navigates political unrest and personal disillusionment, while reflecting on his legacy and the disintegration of his vision for a united South America.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The General in His Labyrinth by Gabriel García Márquez receives praise for its poetic prose and rich historical detail, painting a vivid portrait of Simón Bolívar’s final days. Critics admired the depth of character exploration and emotional gravity, though some felt the narrative's slow pace and somber tone might not appeal to all readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The General in His Labyrinth?

A reader who enjoys The General in His Labyrinth by Gabriel García Márquez likely appreciates historical fiction with a lyrical narrative, rich in magical realism. They may also enjoy works like Márquez’s own One Hundred Years of Solitude or Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits for their intricate storytelling and deep character studies.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Magical Realism

Latin American Literature

Topics

Politics / Government

History: World

Themes

Values/Ideas: Fate

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Society: Colonialism