First published in Colombia, Marquez’s book takes place in an unidentified Caribbean port city. Young Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza carry out an adolescent love affair through letters and glances. Eventually the couple is separated by Fermina’s disapproving father, and later she decides to marry a financially secure Doctor. Florentino never loses his devoted passion for his young love, and though he conducts hundreds of sexual dalliances, he looks forward to their predestined union.
