I am not sure if i was in the right mood for reading this, but it was a bit of a slog. The story started beautifully and was certainly compelling, and although i understood Marquez’ use of the names being repeated through the family’s history it only served to add confusion and much flipping back to the family tree at the start of the book. The final 70 or so pages once again picked up the pace and led to a satisfying and beautiful ending – but it is hardgoing in the middle.