One Hundred Years of Solitude Book vs Show Review (part one)

[@persephonestudy]

A huge hug from Colombia to the US! So happy to see Marquez's book being appreciated around the world ❤

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah it's so awesome to see this finally adapted! I definitely need to read more of his work now. I've heard the character of Rebeca shows up in at least one of his other stories.

[@guillermomartinez4686]

@persephonestudy. Please allow me to correct you. Gabo's surname is Garcia. Marquez is a second one.

[@user-um4di5qm8p]

I agree ! What more can the reader want?! So much is done right in this adaptation...very excited for part 2. Also, liked the hairstyle differentiating the Arcadios from Aurelianos XD

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah i hope they release it soon!

[@BP-ef8mr]

Now I feel like Encanto was a really pared down child friendly version of the set up for OHYoS

[@WhytheBookWins]

Now I need to watch Encanto again! I just remember the main kid plays a guitar and meets the ghost of his dad...?

[@V_i_vi_an]

​@@WhytheBookWinsthat's not Encanto, that's Coco, Encanto is about the Madrigal family which lives in a secluded town that the abuela matriarch founded with other people from her town and because of a miracle her family got magic gifts. It's very much inspired on 100 Year of Solitude as the fantastical elements are treated in a very realistic way and also it has a lot of Gabo references like yellow butterflies being a main image throughout the movie and especially in the ending.

[@WhytheBookWins]

@V_i_vi_an ooooh! That's makes so much more sense haha 😆 I've never seen Encanto but now I want to!

[@V_i_vi_an]

@@WhytheBookWins it's extremely inspired on 100 years of solitude, in fact, there's a video here in KZbin called 100 minutes of solitude analysing all the references and inspirations and explaining the background, by a Colombian content creator.

[@BP-ef8mr]

@@V_i_vi_an YAY I'm VALIDATED!! Thank you for directing me to the 100 minutes of solitude. I'm going to go watch it now.

[@jessicabruni2535]

Congrats on the spanish pronunciation of the names. You did a great job. And specially you really did understand the scence of 100 años de Soledad.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Thank you!

[@PerfectRouge]

Good video! When I was in high school (I'm from Chile), my literature teacher made us read this book and do an essay about it. I did an analysis of how Úrsula is a representation of women in Latin America, where it is very common to see matriarchal families where economic administration and work falls on them and they act as pillars of their families

[@WhytheBookWins]

So cool! And a refreshing switch from the stereotypical US gender roles I read about from this time period.

[@L33ch97]

I read the book this summer and loved it. When I started the series and saw the ruined house I was like, “are they doing the entire thing in one series? There’s no way.” I mean each episode is over an hour long and there’s eight of them, so they could. But now I know there’s another part coming, it makes more sense. I haven’t even gotten that far but at the moment it’s probably the most faithful adaptation of anything I’ve seen. It’s scary how close the history and characters come to the book and I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. Every minute is packed with details that are so close to the original I was overwhelmed all over again. A great series so far and can’t wait to watch more.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah i love that they began with that sneak peak into the ending! And totally agree with how impressive it is they have stayed so faithful.

[@L33ch97]

@ I’m just so surprised with how good it is. I certainly didn’t think it would live up to such a legendary classic but by god, the curse may be lifting.

[@Hogtownboy1]

When i read this book i thought this the best telenovella yet produced. Thank for your review

[@joseagustincandanedo2998]

I really appreciated your observation that the writer 'tells, not shows.' As readers, we need to read between the lines. An alert reader can infer many things. The series' creators have done an excellent job of bringing to light aspects that aren't immediately evident. In the book, the narrator is not omniscient; he is merely 'reporting' (García Márquez was a journalist).

[@WhytheBookWins]

Oh interesting, that makes sense why he wrote the book in this way.

[@jessicabruni2535]

So glad that you made a WTBW about an spanish speaker author. Now you can watch Como agua para Chocolate that max made a new series this year. Totally recomended.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah I would like to do that one at some point!

[@tonigomal]

I don't know much about symbolism, but the ship itself is a reference to the spanish conquest and so are the armors that they would find later

[@mtotheatothedoubled]

My favourite book of all time.

[@WhytheBookWins]

It's incredible! It definitely lives up to the hype.

[@saturn_11-rus]

I really loved both the book and the show. I hope it gets more attention...

[@WhytheBookWins]

Agreed!

[@jefjef418]

I'm Colombian, and although I knew about the book, I’ve never read it. I just finished watching the Netflix show and I’m really proud of how well it was done. It’s made me want to read the book for the first time.

[@CapitanJusticia]

Every Colombian should read the book at some point.

greeting from colombia, my theory on Jose Arcadio's death is that Pilar kill him

[@WhytheBookWins]

Greetings 😁 And whoa! I hadn't even considered this! That's an interesting thought though.

[@squashua16]

Thats seems totally out of character for pilar. Pilar had enormous love for others. Id say its likely the farmers whom he has exploited.

[@kris1123259]

The time the story starts at is meaningful. It was around that time when Colombia and other Spanish colonies gained independence and became countries. The novel is mainly about the consequences of a society that just severed its links to the only political identity they had (Spain), but failed to replace with something else. Thats why theres so much deviancy and degenerancy in the Buen Dia family. Thats why theres so much violence, oppression and self destruction in Macondo.

[@WhytheBookWins]

This makes sense! Thanks for sharing

[@Kaiyanwang82]

Back in university, I almost failed an exam due to this book. I was on a tight deadline, but my mom left OHYoS on a table, I grabbed it and I was immediately captured. I HAD to read it. Only once I finished it, I could then rush through the exam material (for anyone curious, it went well). I was also familiar with Isabel Allende - funnily enough I read The House of the Spirits before One Hundred Years of Solitude, while One Hundred Years is the one that inspire the House.

[@WhytheBookWins]

That's a great story haha, and I've never heard of The house of the spirits! I'll have to check it out.

[@Kaiyanwang82]

@@WhytheBookWins I loved Allende back then but after reading One Hundred Years, I kinda felt like the House was a ripoff. Of sort. It goes in different directions, and you stated this is a genre you like, therefore I presume you should give it a shot.

[@libelulaverdeazul]

@@WhytheBookWinsyou need an Isabel Allende binge! House of spirits is fantastic, and the movie is pretty good. Like water for chocolate is another delicious, no pun intended, familiar classic Latin American book with a movie. Love them all!

[@mariasolromero1104]

Same here! I read AHYoS after The House of Spirits. Obsessed with magical realism. I recommend Long petal of Sea…

[@peybak]

Growing up I heard a lot about the book from my mom. She made everyone around her read it. I told her about the TV series and now she is very curious and will be watching it. I've never read the book and now I really want to.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Your mom has good taste!

[@peybak]

@@WhytheBookWins Thank you. I think she does too.

[@libelulaverdeazul]

I have read the book every few years since I was a teenager both in English and Spanish. I love it so much. BTW, love the yellow butterfly t-shirt 😊

[@WhytheBookWins]

Is there much change between the different languages? The English translator seemed to do a great job!

[@libelulaverdeazul]

@@WhytheBookWins the translator did a great job. I read some books the translator totally screwed, Like some of the H. Potter books into Spanish. Not the case for OHYOS. Daguerrotipo to Daguerreotype. Btw That’s the way my grandma used to say photograph in Colombia 50 years ago. ♥️♥️

[@jessicabruni2535]

In spanish you have to pronounce all the vowels: It’s Au-re-lia-no A-ma-ran-ta The A in spanish is pronounce different than in english R is difficult to get it right. You can do it👌🏼

[@WhytheBookWins]

Thank you! Yeah those two were tripping me up at bit haha.

[@muddyw4ter2]

For me, not only is this a great and faithful adaptation to the book, but it also added a layer to the story that allowed me to connect with the characters. In the book, there aren't many dialogues, but creating the adaptation and setting up the characters and the actors take on them just made them even more realistic. I was particularly astonished by Ursula's character. Honestly, wow. As a Colombian, I was so able to relate how they speak, their mannerisms to my own family which was absolutely insane. ps: I think the spanish galeon they find is also a symbolism on how Colombia and Latin American society as a whole cannot escape its colonial past, which settles the foundation of a history that constantly repeats itself.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Agreed! And that's great insight into the galeon! Thanks for commenting ☺

[@alpacamale2909]

I have a really old edition of this book (in Spanish) as a monitor stand. Sorry Gabriel, your book and 'La casa de Bernarda Alba' really gave me nightmares in highschool.

[@Hogtownboy1]

Thanks!

[@WhytheBookWins]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@trippyhop]

Been waiting for this one since you mentioned it

[@WhytheBookWins]

😊

[@luciarocha-k2f]

Really enjoyed it, Ursula has to get an Oscar, characters are so perfect, i only have words of praise.. expecting part 2

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah everyone was so incredible!

[@Jcesare09]

As a colombian living expat I almost watch the whole show last night very long chapters but the show is highly enjoyable I think I read the book probably 50 years ago. It took me a while to get the sense of the history but it keep growing on me as each chapter went by yes I believe it has been a great adaptation of the book it is very compelling and I think it is very related to human tragedies not just colombian magic realism but our actual cruel realities thanks for this review great book beautifully translate to video

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah I've read some events parallel Colombian history so that adds another layer to the story.

[@mariellesuzanne8123]

I had never read the book and always wanted to but never had the time. watching it on netflix was great! I have really enjoyed part one and am lookin forward to part 2.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Thanks for commenting! I'm glad you enjoyed the show too 😊

[@bencesarvari2235]

I really love the book, do you think I should watch the series. Is ut worth it? An adapatation has to give something more to the story to be worth the runtime, I think.

[@WhytheBookWins]

I definitely think it is worth it! They don't make huge changes to the book, but they just bring it all to life in such a beautiful way and the performances are all amazing.

[@bencesarvari2235]

​@@WhytheBookWins Thank you for answering my question. And quite quickly too.

[@bencesarvari2235]

​@@WhytheBookWinsYeah, those are the things I think about when I say it gives something more to the story. It transforms it in a way where you can enjoy both it and the original simultaniously and the small differences become meaningful. Essentially a good adaptation is like a good translation or an hommage to the original.

[@frankducky6130]

I’ve never read this but it sounds very interesting based on your video!

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah it was so captivating with unexpected events.

[@squashua16]

Loved the show, very engaging and emotional. Buying the book today.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Glad you liked the show!

[@connorjust-connor3560]

GGM invented Magic Realism

[@CW-up7xv]

OK I GOT ONE FOR YOU. The Lonliness of the Long Distance Runner. I first heard the title as a punk song by the Angelic Upstarts. Then i read the book in college and saw the movie shortly after. From what I remember it's a short book. I loved them both but there isn't a clear winner from what I remember! I read 100 years of solitude and thought it was real good but I liked East of Eden more.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Ooo I myself am a long distance runner so that sounds right up my alley! Thanks for the request! And yeah I might still like East of Eden more, but this one is still up there!

[@hindharb8748]

Thank you for this video, this is on of my favorite authors. Please do "The Painted Veil" by W.S. Maugham next 🙏

[@WhytheBookWins]

I'm glad you liked the video! I'll look that one up 😊

[@RS-ry4lp]

You should watch/read Like Water For Chocolate, the book and movie are amazing, and the new adaptation looks promising. Amazing video as always!

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah I wasn't to cover that sometime next year 😁

[@Hogtownboy1]

Honest question. Do understand Spanish?. I watched in Spanish with subtitles. I wonder how good translation of subtitles was

[@WhytheBookWins]

No I don't, I had to read the subtitles! How was the translation?

[@Hogtownboy1]

@@WhytheBookWins i don’t speak Spanish either. I was hoping someone would chime in who is bilingual and tell me

[@gailxunqicheng6409]

I feel like Urusula catastrophises and self-sabotaged herself and catalysed her own prophecy though. She got so scared about her son’s manhood and got the fortune teller to see him, and the fortune teller ended up grooming him

[@WhytheBookWins]

Very true! I would say she is the least selfish of everyone but you are right that sometimes she still sabotages certain things.

[@davey64]

Someone else who reads AND listens to books at the same time. I can’t imagine someone who is coming to the show without having read the book or at least know Marquez’s work.

[@skrolreapr]

no need to imagine, im right here. I barely read anything. most of my hours are obsessively spent doing art. similar to Jose Arcadio Buendia with his alchemy and projects. so I tend to put on music or shows, podcasts and such while I work. audio books are also difficult. I tried American Gods while doing art, but got lost midway through.

[@davey64]

@@skrolreapr I hope my comment wasn’t taken with any disrespect. It wasn’t meant to. I just found it difficult to see someone coming to this series not having read Marquez. He's been called the greatest Latin American author.

[@skrolreapr]

@@davey64 I actually only found out about cien años a month or so before the show released. I watched Pedro Paramo and my mom mentioned how it inspired Marquez. so it was by happen chance I just found out about him. but if not for that, I never heard of him. I probably would have not given the show a chance as well so there is that

[@vaughntaylor7687]

Okay so I’m a person who had no idea about the book and just clicked on the show with no expectations. Through the first couple episodes I just couldn’t help but feel like Netflix was maybe just dripping the ball and that there had to be a book that told a deeper story that gave more answers to all the magical shit happening in the background. Now it sounds like you’re saying that’s just the point of the story, to tell you drama about this family in this magical world but not really about the magical world they’re in. I don’t think magical realism is for me. I think it’s lazy just a way to give your story character, I was actually about to go get the book tomorrow but knowing that the why is never gonna be included kind of makes me feel like this is just gonna be Spanish tuck everlasting if you followed them for 100 years straight and instead of being immortal they just moved somewhere else and started a town. Granted the notion of “magical realism” is fairly new to me I don’t like the rules but at the same time finding out things like tuck everlasting and even lady in the water qualify I’m just confused cause you definitely get clear answers in both, shit a main part of the plot in lady in the water is giving you rules of the plot to follow aka answers for the characters to beat the main bad. My head hurts

[@vaughntaylor7687]

Okay I take that back a little I just read something about magical realism that just sums it up. He mentioned how in OHYOS a lady ascends to heaven in sheets and nobody ever mentions it but the woman whose sheets it was regularly comes back to ask for the sheets. Basically it’s all just one big inside joke like it’s normal to the characters so they don’t have to speak about it and the writer doesn’t feel like narrating it so it’s just there to make you laugh or let the writer be a little dramatic without drastically changing the story. Like say one of the kids came out 100Lbs because at least it’s not a tail to the characters it’s fine they won’t mention it and he’ll just grow to fat I’ll throw a couple jokes about it to remind you later

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah it sounds like magical realism isn't the genre for you since not every fantastical thing is explained. Maybe it could be compared to a book in today's world feeling the need to explain why gravity exists, like it doesn't need to be explained because it is just part of our reality. Thanks for commenting your thoughts!

[@vaughntaylor7687]

@@WhytheBookWinsbut that’s where I’m confused because I just did a bunch of research last night I’ve read watched and enjoyed a bunch of magical realism stories I think it just depends on how far you take the not explaining the magical elements. Again I haven’t read the book yet, but in the show Theresa bunch of things that would’ve took just a couple seconds of dialogue to give clarity on. I just don’t see many reasons why not to talk about the elements your world is based on

[@jessicabruni2535]

Congrats on the spanish pronunciation of the names. You did a great job. And specially you really did understand the scence of 100 años de Soledad. Looking forward for part 2.

[@guillermomartinez4686]

Hi there, What if you come to Colombia and you realize that everything is like the book. Beauty, bizarre, unexpectede nature, magic, all of that. Visit us and see it by yourself. Is real!!

[@WhytheBookWins]

Sounds amazing! I would love to visit some day.

[@khher1979]

I thought the book was good but not great. As you said, there was just so much going on. However, I think if I saw the show and went back to read the book, I may have a different experience

[@WhytheBookWins]

Yeah those who watch the show first would be able to appreciate the book all the more I think because they wouldn't be distracted by having to focus as much on who was who.

[@khher1979]

@WhytheBookWins i spent so much time flipping back and forth on that family tree.