Until August, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, author; Anne McLean, translator and author, Cristobal Pera, editor/narrator, Catalina Sandino Moreno, narrator, Rodrigo Garcia narrator
Ana Magdelena Bach visited her mother’s grave on a remote island only once a year. Although, she had a wonderfully warm relationship with her husband, when she traveled to the island she abandoned all pretense of loyalty to her marriage vows. After the first time she encountered a man, engaged with him, and was then insulted when he left her a cash gift, as if she were a woman of the night, she continued to look for sexual gratification from a stranger every year, and she also looked for the man who “tipped” her.
She should have been the happiest woman in her own life, but somehow, she sought more when she was on her own. Her marriage was not unaffected by her intransigence, as Ana and her accomplished musician husband grew less passionate with each other. This is not to say that he was loyal, because he had a reputation as quite the lady’s man. They had two children. One was a successful musician and one wanted to be a nun, though she mocked the vow of chastity prior to entering the convent. The family seems to have had an issue with fidelity, and possibly, morality.
Ana is not sure why her mother chose to be buried on the remote island, but as the book progresses, there are hints that indicate that her mother, like herself, was searching for more meaning and happiness or perhaps had found it in an unexpected place. I am unsure of why Ana removed her mother’s remains, unless Ana thought that she had to move on with her own life as her mother had moved on with hers. Perhaps, she found both her own behavior and her mother’s to be destructive. Perhaps both behavior patterns were enlightening and she found satisfaction in knowing her mother, too, was imperfect. I wondered if Ana was having a “come to Jesus” moment of clarity.
In addition, I thought the scenes of sexual proclivity could have crossed the line with another author, but with this one, they never did. They stayed in the realm of reality and not erotica. They were not uncomfortable to read as they are in some books meant to attract a particular audience in that way. The short little book examines relationships, fidelity, honesty, tolerance and behavior. It is neither judgmental or critical of any behavior in particular, but leaves the judgment up to the reader. It is very brief, but insightful.
At the time of the writing, Marquez was suffering from dementia and was unable to finish the book. When the family discovered the manuscript languishing, they decided to have it finished and published. Although it would not be his best work, it would be a farewell in his honor. The writing is clear, but perhaps the message is less so. One hopes if the author is aware of its publication, he is honored, and not angry, since he wanted the manuscript destroyed.