Although, I'm not quite sure who was the central character in this book,

I really enjoyed following the lives of so many interesting people.

This book has made me realize that there are actually very few books that delve deeply into the lives of older people.

It's quite remarkable how this particular book managed to do just that.

As I read through the pages, I was able to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of the elderly.

It was a refreshing and eye-opening experience.

Moreover, this book left me feeling very optimistic.

It showed me that even in the later stages of life, there is still so much to discover, learn, and enjoy.

It gave me hope that as we age, we can continue to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the lives of older people or simply wants to gain a new perspective on life.

A truly epic story unfolds about one remarkable family across several generations. It is a tale that weaves together the joys, sorrows, triumphs, and tribulations of each member. From the earliest days of the family's establishment to the present, every moment is filled with drama and emotion. The characters are so vividly drawn that you feel as if you are right there with them, experiencing their lives along with them. You become invested in their relationships, their dreams, and their struggles. As the story progresses, you are constantly on the edge of your seat, eager to see what will happen next. It is a story that has the power to touch your heart and leave a lasting impression. I found myself completely engrossed in this family's journey, and I didn't want it to end.

Clever idea,

but without actual Magical Realism,

after a while this story just sounds ridiculous.

It seems that the initial concept had potential,

but as the narrative progresses,

it fails to maintain the necessary elements to keep the reader engaged.

Magical Realism often blurs the lines between the real and the fantastical,

creating a unique and captivating world.

However, in this case,

the lack of true Magical Realism makes the story feel flat and uninteresting.

Perhaps if the author had incorporated more elements of the supernatural or the unexpected,

the story would have had more depth and appeal.

As it stands,

it is a missed opportunity to create a truly memorable and enchanting piece of literature.

This book is truly a wild ride.

It presents a great story that is filled with wonderful characters.

The action in the book is abundant, and almost all of it is hilarious, making you laugh out loud at times.

However, it's not just all laughter. There are also touching moments that tug at your heartstrings.

The writing in this book is simply fabulous. The author has a great way with words, painting vivid pictures in your mind and making you feel as if you are right there in the story.

This book is a special treat, a definite 'good read' that you won't want to put down.

Whether you're looking for a fun and entertaining read or something that will also touch your emotions, this book has it all.

So, if you're in the mood for a great story with wonderful characters, lots of action, and a touch of hilarity and heart, then this book is definitely for you.

Give it a try and you won't be disappointed.

The overall experience was somewhat pleasant, yet it also felt rather boring.

There was a distinct lack of any significant events or storylines that could effectively tie the entire family and their individual life stories together.

It seemed as if the narrative was written predominantly from a man's point of view, despite the fact that the majority of the characters were female.

This perhaps led to a certain disconnect in how the female characters were portrayed and their experiences were presented.

It left me with the impression that the author might not have fully grasped the essence and nuances of the female perspective.

Consequently, the story failed to engage me on a deeper level and left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

Overall, it had its moments of pleasantness, but the fundamental flaws in the narrative structure and the skewed point of view detracted from its overall appeal.

I have an unwavering love for this book.

When it was first released, I devoured it with great enthusiasm. And recently, I couldn't resist the urge to pick it up again and embark on a new reading journey.

It is truly a heartwarming family saga that has the power to touch the deepest corners of your soul.

The author is undeniably a great wordsmith, capable of weaving a story that is both engaging and emotional.

Among all his works, this one holds a special place in my heart and is without a doubt my absolute favorite.

Every time I turn the pages, I am transported into a world filled with love, laughter, and the beautiful tapestry of family life.

It is a book that I will cherish and recommend to others for years to come.

This is a rather peculiar book that seems to lack a distinct plot.

The narrative, presented in the third person, mainly consists of the memories and reflections of Margarita, the eldest sister of Emilio, towards the end of her extremely long life.

The family history, starting from her parents' initial meeting and courtship all the way to her own old age and declining abilities, is described in a roughly chronological order.

However, within this simple framework, the more distant incidents and characters are significantly influenced and modified by subsequent events. As a result, time seems to flow both forward and backward, creating an illusion of perspective, perhaps even inevitability or a sense of divine purpose.

A family with two parents from different parts of the world and their 15 children would seemingly provide an almost limitless source for character development and plot. But in reality, the book is highly focused on the lives and loves of Margarita and Emilio, with their siblings playing secondary roles or sometimes no role at all.

There is a small amount of social and political history included, but these are not the prominent aspects of the book.

So, I read the entire novel, eagerly waiting for its purpose to be disclosed to me, but unfortunately, that moment never arrived.

It left me with a sense of confusion and a feeling that there was something more that I might have missed.

Perhaps a second reading would reveal some hidden gems or a deeper meaning that I failed to grasp the first time around.

Nonetheless, for now, this book remains a bit of a mystery to me.

In this extraordinary world, there exists a place that is both vibrant and erotic.

It is a destination that captivates the senses and leaves visitors in awe.

The colors here are vivid, as if painted by the hands of a master artist.

The sounds are alive, a symphony of nature and human activity.

The people are passionate, their energy contagious.

This place is a haven for those seeking excitement and adventure.

It offers a unique blend of beauty and sensuality that is truly unforgettable.

Whether you are漫步 through the streets or relaxing on the beach, you will be surrounded by an atmosphere of extraordinary charm.

Come and experience this vibrant and erotic place for yourself.

Let it ignite your imagination and awaken your desires.

You will be glad you did.

I’m putting this book away, still trying to fully grasp what it was that I read.

The first 300 pages or so were rather slow-paced, which is precisely why I kept putting it aside. Instead of continuing, I would often choose to go to sleep early. However, at long last, I managed to finish the book!

A family with parents from two different countries and 15 children would seemingly offer an abundance of opportunities for character development and an engaging plot. But, unfortunately, the story mainly revolves around the life and lovers of the oldest sister Margarita and the only brother Emilio, while the other sisters play side roles or, in some cases, are almost non-existent.

This book, which is nearly 500 pages long, contains a significant number of words that lack a specific meaning. I had the distinct sensation that the author frequently forgot his recurring theme and instead became overly preoccupied with trivial details that did not contribute to the overall narrative.

When attempting to find something positive within this story, I must admit that the portrayal of older age was somewhat optimistic. The ever-curious Margarita serves as an inspiration, encouraging one to travel or pursue a hobby regardless of their age. Just like Margarita, who flies to Ireland at the age of 90, one should not simply stop living because their hair has turned grey and their skin has wrinkled.

Lastly, I have to highlight the fact that the characters' lives seem to revolve quite a bit around their love life, and some parts of the book were rather erotic.

Of course, to a certain extent, this is perfectly okay and normal. However, in my opinion, Oscar Hijuelos exaggerated this aspect to such an extent that it actually became rather strange. You get the feeling that everything is written from a man's point of view, even though most of the characters are female.

To my parents, who both liked this book when they read it 20 years ago, I'm curious to know what they will think of the book today.

"And do not be afraid, because you will always have your family." - Margarita

Read 28/7 - 22

In 2007, I had the opportunity to read an article.

As time has passed, my memory has dimmed regarding some of the specific details of the family story within the article.

However, I do remember that I really liked it. It was quite a long piece, which allowed for a more in-depth exploration of the family's history and experiences.

Unfortunately, when it came to an end, I felt a sense of disappointment. I had become so engrossed in the story that I didn't want it to finish.

Despite the passage of time and the fading of some memories, I would still read it again.

I believe that revisiting the article would not only refresh my memory but also allow me to discover new aspects and details that I may have missed the first time around.

It's always interesting to see how our perspectives and interpretations can change with each reading.

So, if given the chance, I would definitely pick up that article from 2007 and embark on that literary journey once again.

Low on plot, but an enchanting saga.

This story may not have a complex and convoluted plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. However, what it lacks in plot, it more than makes up for in its enchanting nature.

The saga weaves a spellbinding tale that draws you in and holds your attention with its charm and allure. The characters are vividly brought to life, their emotions and experiences palpable.

The setting is described in such a way that you can almost envision yourself there,沉浸在 the magical world that has been created.

Although the plot may not be the main focus, it still manages to progress in a way that keeps you interested and engaged.

It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore more of its enchanting world.

The writing in this piece wasn't entirely bad. In fact, the span of time that it covered was rather interesting. However, it simply wasn't to my liking.

Besides the fact that it was really mostly centered around one sister, this book had an excessive preoccupation with sex. It was almost as bad as that of any 16-year-old boy.

It might have been attempting to discuss something interesting or something heartfelt, but it just couldn't seem to break free from its constant thoughts about sex.

There were far too many descriptions of pubic hair and its fading to grey for my personal tastes. It felt as if these details were overemphasized and detracted from what could have been a more engaging and meaningful narrative.

Overall, while there were some redeeming qualities, the book's focus on sex in such a prominent way made it a less enjoyable read for me.