Chronicle of a Death Foretold

Chronicle of a Death Foretold (original Spanish title: Crónica de una muerte anunciada) is a short novel by Gabriel García Márquez. It tells, in the form of a pseudo-journalistic reconstruction, the story of the murder of Santiago Nasar by the two Vicario brothers.

Related Topics:
Spanish - Novel - Gabriel García Márquez - Journalist - Murder

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The story is told from the perspective of a native of the town returning 27 years after the murder, and attempting to recreate what happened on that fateful day. The basis of the plot is that a newly married young woman, Ángela Vicario, was found on her wedding night to not be a virgin. After getting beaten by her parents, she names her violator, Santiago Nasar. In order to repair the family's reputation, the two brothers Pablo and Pedro Vicario go to kill Santiago. The entire town eventually learns of their plan, but does nothing to stop it, or warn Santiago, who is brutally killed.

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One of the unanswered questions in this book is who actually took Ángela Vicario's virginity, for the narrator is unsure why she named Santiago Nasar, although it is suggested by gossip that she did to protect the man who she loved. It's possible to read the book as a kafkian love and crime story, the beginning of the book is itself a variation of the start of The Trial and The Metamorphosis, both by Kafka. Márquez himself aknowledges this influence saying that it was the reading of The Metamorphosis that showed him "that it was possible to write in a different way".

Related Topics:
The Trial - The Metamorphosis - Kafka

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It was translated into English by Gregory Rabassa.

Related Topics:
English - Gregory Rabassa

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