A review by michaelclorah
Collected Stories by Gabriel García Márquez

3.0

via NYPL - This book compiles three shorter books of short stories Garcia Marquez published during his life. The first set, I must admit, was a chore to get through - there are some excellent passages, and his ability to capture a mood or moment is impressive. But nothing happens, stories just amble aimlessly and the directionlessness of it all begins to wear on a reader (this one anyway). The second set was much better, with passing nods to "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and more character-driven (but no less mystical or surreal) stories. Not much essential in there and, as with many short stories collections, the results are hit or miss, but the overall standard is at least engaging. The third book - well, I ran out of time and had to return the book to the library.