The General in His Labyrinth

Summary

The novel «The General in His Labyrinth» by Gabriel García Márquez narrates the final days of Simón Bolívar, the great South American liberator. Weary and ill, Bolívar embarks on his last journey along the Magdalena River, intending to leave Colombia and go into exile in Europe. The narrative delves into his reflections on life, politics, and personal failures, as well as his dreams and disappointments. Bolívar realizes that his ideals of freedom and unity for South America have not been achieved, and he faces betrayal and intrigue. The novel explores themes of power, loneliness, and the inevitability of death, portraying Bolívar as a man who, despite his accomplishments, remains a prisoner of his own illusions and regrets.