Marquez's writing is so beautiful and lyrical, the subject is interesting, despite its controversy - a priest falls in love with a 12yo girl - although I don't think it was considered pedophilia in the times of the novel (mind you, not the time it was written).
What didn't quite make it for me was maybe a tad too much magical realism, and the somewhat rushed ending.

A story that, it seems, only Gabriel García Márquez can weave. It is a short book, and one that works in stealth - a quick start to the story, followed by a period of subtle and slow explanation. Around 3/4 of the way through the story the reader realises they are caught up in the story, eager to understand how it will end - although really we all know it can only end unhappily.

Márquez's writing, as always, is lyrical and convoluted in places, and poetic and detailed in others. I find his short stories and novels like this - almost novella, far more enjoyable to read than this longer novels, in which I tend to lose my way. Magical realism is not dominant in this story, as much as religious interpretation of events or actions which are identified by some as supernatural. I don't go well with magical realism, as I am burdened with far too much practicality. My point is I had no magical realism problems with this story.

4 stars