BOOK REVIEW: 'The Autumn of the Patriarch' by Gabriel García Márquez

Nobel literature prize-winning author from Colombia, Gabriel García Márquez's 'The Autumn of the Patriarch' is one of the most mentally disturbing fiction I have ever read. Actually it's reflective of brutal Latin American dictatorships of the 20th century, so, don't be surprised if you are in for a cruel time as watching an episode of 'Game of Thrones'. In fact, the 229-page novel is described as "black humor" depicting a "stunning portrait of a monstrous tyrant", The New York Times review on the back cover reads.

I was initially put off by the book been written in long paragraphs with extended sentences but I think that's what makes this book deliver unsuspecting punches to our solar plexus - figuratively speaking.

So, without spoiling the plot, what are the salient points of the book?

Here are some six points to consider:

Dictatorship and Power: The story centers around an unnamed, aging dictator, the "General of the Universe," clinging to power in a decaying Caribbean nation. It explores the themes of absolute power, its corrupting influence, and the brutality often used to maintain control.

Magical Realism:  The novel is a prime example of Márquez's signature magical realism style.  Blending fantasy with reality, the narrative blurs timelines, incorporates fantastical elements, and creates a dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the warped reality under the dictator's rule.

Unreliable Narration and Identity:  There's no single narrator, and the story unfolds through fragmented memories and conflicting accounts.  This emphasizes the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the truth about the General and his regime.   The General himself even uses a double to confuse potential assassins, further blurring the lines of identity.

Death and Mortality:  The novel is obsessed with death. The opening scene questions whether the General is truly dead, and death permeates the narrative.  This reflects the decaying state of the country and the dictator's own mortality he desperately tries to deny.

Isolation and Paranoia:  The General, consumed by power and suspicion, isolates himself from everyone.  He distrusts his advisors, lovers, and even his own body.  This paranoia fuels his cruelty and further isolates him from humanity.

Critique of Latin American Dictators:  While fictional, the novel is seen as a critique of the brutal dictatorships that plagued Latin America in the 20th century.