Colombia is overwhelming in its beauty, culture, and people—so before embarking, consider familiarizing yourself with the place by eschewing the online reviews and hitting the books instead. Here we’ve listed some of the best books that feature Colombia as its central, romantic character.
## A Literary Journey Through Colombia: Unveiling the Soul of a Nation
Colombia, a land celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and profoundly rich culture, holds a captivating allure that has resonated across continents. The beauty of this South American nation has been lauded far and wide, leading many to believe that only visual mediums could truly capture its essence. While travelogues bursting with color, insightful documentaries, and cinematic masterpieces have attempted to portray Colombia in all its resplendent glory, there remains a unique power in the written word to truly encapsulate its soul.
Perhaps it is because Colombia is imbued with a magical quality, an enchantment that seeps into every facet of its existence. This magic manifests itself in the incredible diversity of its flora and fauna, from the towering Andean peaks to the lush Amazonian rainforests. It pulsates through the infectious rhythms of *salsa*, *cumbia*, and *vallenato* music that echo through the streets and squares of its vibrant cities. Above all, it shines through in the unparalleled warmth and unwavering generosity of its people, who welcome visitors with open arms and genuine smiles. Furthermore, Colombia possesses a compelling and complex history, one steeped in both profound beauty and heartbreaking tragedy. This fertile ground provides a rich tapestry for narrative storytelling, allowing authors to explore the depths of the human experience against the backdrop of a nation grappling with its past and striving towards a brighter future. This literary exploration allows one to truly understand that all the titles on this list capture the very essence of the country. They vividly portray the colorful cast of characters, both real and imagined, that have shaped Colombia’s identity over the centuries. These books will introduce you to a country rich in heritage, both beautiful and painful, a country that will touch your soul.
## #1: One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez)
This monumental work, first published in 1967, rightfully claims the top spot, having indelibly redefined both literature and the global perception of Colombia. It is “One Hundred Years of Solitude” that gave birth to the term “magical realism,” a distinctive writing style characterized by its straightforward narrative interwoven with elements of the fantastical and extraordinary. This style has become inextricably linked with Colombian culture, a testament to the novel’s profound influence. The book is a masterpiece of Latin American literature, emerging during a period when other authors across the continent, such as Borges in Argentina and Amado in Brazil, were fearlessly pushing the boundaries of literary expression in similarly imaginative ways. Notably, García Márquez, who spent his childhood amidst poverty, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1983 in recognition of this seminal work.
*Cien Años de Soledad* tells the sprawling story of seven generations of the Buendía family, charting their lives, loves, and deaths (and even resurrections) in the fictional town of Macondo. The town of Macondo is based loosely on the author’s own hometown of **Aracataca**, situated near the captivating Colombian coast. Throughout the narrative, readers are immersed in a world brimming with extraordinary and often inexplicable events. The imagery is striking and unforgettable, conjuring scenes of yellow butterflies swirling in the air, shipwrecks mysteriously appearing on land, the spectral presence of gypsy ghosts, and the birth of a baby with the tail of a pig.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the novel, a rewarding experience awaits in the small town of Aracataca. A visit here allows you to witness the very place where the nascent flames of García Márquez’s creativity were first ignited. However, visitors should temper their expectations, as the municipality has largely neglected tourism development, aside from a somewhat quixotic campaign to officially change the town’s name to “Macondo.”
## #2: Love in the Time of Cholera (Gabriel García Márquez)
If your travel plans include a visit to the enchanting Colombian coast, immersing yourself in “Love in the Time of Cholera” is highly recommended. This sweeping epic, published in 1985, shares similarities with *Solitude* in its grand scale, but unfolds as a classic and deeply moving romance. The story centers on the impoverished Florentino Ariza, who falls deeply in love with a girl far above his social standing when they are both young teenagers. The novel is set around the turn of the 20th century in an unnamed city on the Caribbean coast, a setting that bears a striking resemblance to the historic city of **Cartagena de Indias**. Furthermore, a significant portion of the narrative unfolds on the storied **Magdalena River**, following the journeys of old riverboats as they traverse its winding course.
Told through a series of flashbacks, “Cholera” opens with Fermina Daza in her old age, grappling with the unexpected death of her esteemed and wealthy husband, Dr. Juliano Urbino. It is at this moment that the aged Florentino reappears, boldly declaring his undying love for her. Fermina, however, instantly rebuffs his advances. The remainder of the book delves into the rich history of the two protagonists, as well as the numerous “622 affairs” that occupied Florentino’s time as he continued to yearn for Fermina’s affection.
The book is awash in the vibrant and romantic imagery of the Caribbean coast, making it an ideal companion if you’re planning a Colombian honeymoon. The beauty of the coastline, the passion of the people, and the magic of the setting truly make it a must-read for those venturing there.
## #3: Killing Pablo (Mark Bowden)
Pablo Escobar, a name synonymous with Colombia’s turbulent past, has experienced a resurgence in popular culture in recent years. From the gripping television series “Narcos” to the numerous films depicting the life and exploits of Colombia’s most notorious (and long-deceased) drug lord, he has become as much a pop culture icon as he is an infamous historical figure. While there is no shortage of material about Colombia’s most notorious son, “Killing Pablo,” a journalistic account released in 2001, stands out as perhaps the most comprehensive and compelling exploration of his legacy.
Mark Bowden’s book played a pivotal role in painting a complete and nuanced picture of Pablo Escobar for audiences outside of Colombia. Prior to its publication, there were few English-language accounts that delved into the complexities of his life and crimes. The book primarily chronicles the joint efforts of U.S. and Colombian military and law enforcement personnel to capture Pablo Escobar, the leader of the Medellín Cartel. Beyond providing a nail-biting account of the final chase that led to Pablo’s demise, it also offers a highly detailed and meticulously researched examination of Colombia’s recent history, shedding light on its legacy of narco-terrorism and drug violence. Foreigners should be aware of the immense price, paid in blood and suffering, that Colombians have endured for the beauty of their country and culture. “Killing Pablo” elucidates this point with unflinching honesty.
## #4: Bolívar: American Liberator (Marie Arana)
While Pablo Escobar may now hold a prominent place in popular culture, Simón Bolívar, the great *Libertador* (Liberator), remains relatively unknown outside of Latin America. In the early 19th century, this aristocratic Venezuelan rose to become one of the most brilliant military minds of the Spanish independence movement. Beginning in Venezuela and later operating out of Cartagena, Bolívar traversed an astonishing 75,000 miles of South America on horseback, ultimately liberating six nations from Spanish rule.
The seat of the first independent government was established in Gran Colombia, which encompasses modern-day Colombia. Bolívar served as the first president of this newly united Latin America. Marie Arana’s 2013 biography is a meticulously researched and vividly written account that portrays both the man and the tumultuous era of Latin America. You will find a deep sense of heartbreak as Bolívar is forced out of power and banished into exile, his grand vision of a fully united Latin America tragically crumbling around him.
After immersing yourself in “Bolívar: American Liberator,” be sure to make the short journey from **Bogotá** to the adjacent **Boyacá Department**. It is there that you can witness the site where Bolívar led his men to their final, decisive victory over the Spanish at the Battle of Boyacá. The flags proudly marking the location are easily seen and cannot be missed.
## #5: The General in His Labyrinth (Gabriel García Márquez)
After learning about the real-life events that shaped the Liberator’s extraordinary life, allow the master of fiction, Gabriel García Márquez, to add his unique and fantastical touch. This 1989 novel unfolds during the last year of Bolívar’s life, before his untimely death at the relatively young age of 47. The story follows an ailing Bolívar after he is forced out of politics in Bogotá and banished from the country. He embarks on a long and arduous journey from the capital to **Santa Marta**, a city on the Caribbean coast, reflecting on his life and accomplishments along the way. Although he anticipates embarking for Europe, Tuberculosis ultimately claims his life before he has a chance to board the ship. The narrative is a bittersweet and poignant account of how loss and regret can accompany even the most extraordinary of lives, and how all individuals ultimately arrive at the same inevitable end.
After finishing this poignant novel, be sure to visit the **Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino** in Santa Marta, the hacienda where Bolívar drew his last breath in 1830. Take note of the small bed, which is barely larger than a child’s bed. It will provide a tangible sense of just how diminished the man was by the end of his remarkable life.
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