Gabriel Garcia Marquez_ A Life Part 12

The Garcia Marquez (GM) and Barcha Pardo (BP) Families

The Garcia Martinez Family

The Marquez Iguaran Family

The Buendia Family in One Hundred Years of Solitude One Hundred Years of Solitude

Notes.

ABBREVIATIONS.

GMGarcia Marquez GGMGabriel Garcia Marquez OHYSOne Hundred Years of Solitude Prologue: From Origins Obscure (18001899) 1. This section, despite its somewhat literary style, is based directly upon conversations with Luisa Santiaga Marquez in Cartagena in 1991 and in Barranquilla in 1993; and on Gabriel Garcia Marquez's (henceforth GGM's) and his sister Margarita's (henceforth Margot's) own recollections. This section, despite its somewhat literary style, is based directly upon conversations with Luisa Santiaga Marquez in Cartagena in 1991 and in Barranquilla in 1993; and on Gabriel Garcia Marquez's (henceforth GGM's) and his sister Margarita's (henceforth Margot's) own recollections.2. This prologue and the next three chapters are based upon conversations with all the members of the Garcia Marquez (henceforth GM) family and many members of the extended family over the period 19912008, as well as many journeys around the Colombian Costa from Sucre to Riohacha and beyond, some of them with GGM's brothers. The most authoritative informants were Ligia GM, a Mormon, who considers it her duty to research her family's history (it is to Ligia above all that I owe the family trees); Margot Valdeblanquez de Diaz-Granados, who spent long periods in her grandfather Colonel Marquez's house in the 1920s and 1930s; Ricardo Marquez Iguaran, who in 1993 and 2008 gave me invaluable information on the family ramifications in the Guajira; and Rafael Osorio Martinez, who in 2007 gave detailed insight into Gabriel Eligio Garcia's family background in Since. GGM himself never had more than a general and rather vague knowledge of the details of this family history but his understanding of the underlying structure and dynamic of the genealogy is extraordinary and the stories of specific relatives blessed or cursed with colourful or dramatic lives form the foundation of his fictional oeuvre. In general a biographer of GGM also depends heavily on random snippets of information which appear from time to time in the Colombian press. The only previous biographical works are Oscar Collazos, This prologue and the next three chapters are based upon conversations with all the members of the Garcia Marquez (henceforth GM) family and many members of the extended family over the period 19912008, as well as many journeys around the Colombian Costa from Sucre to Riohacha and beyond, some of them with GGM's brothers. The most authoritative informants were Ligia GM, a Mormon, who considers it her duty to research her family's history (it is to Ligia above all that I owe the family trees); Margot Valdeblanquez de Diaz-Granados, who spent long periods in her grandfather Colonel Marquez's house in the 1920s and 1930s; Ricardo Marquez Iguaran, who in 1993 and 2008 gave me invaluable information on the family ramifications in the Guajira; and Rafael Osorio Martinez, who in 2007 gave detailed insight into Gabriel Eligio Garcia's family background in Since. GGM himself never had more than a general and rather vague knowledge of the details of this family history but his understanding of the underlying structure and dynamic of the genealogy is extraordinary and the stories of specific relatives blessed or cursed with colourful or dramatic lives form the foundation of his fictional oeuvre. In general a biographer of GGM also depends heavily on random snippets of information which appear from time to time in the Colombian press. The only previous biographical works are Oscar Collazos, Garcia Marquez: la soledad y la gloria Garcia Marquez: la soledad y la gloria (Barcelona, Plaza y Janes, 1983), helpful but brief, and, most substantially, Da.s.so Saldivar, (Barcelona, Plaza y Janes, 1983), helpful but brief, and, most substantially, Da.s.so Saldivar, Garcia Marquez: el viaje a la semilla. La biografia Garcia Marquez: el viaje a la semilla. La biografia (Madrid, Alf.a.guara, 1997), on GGM's life to 1967: its most useful contribution is the information it provides on the genealogical background to the two sides of the GM family and on his childhood and schooldays. Historically the first biographical study was Mario Vargas Llosa, (Madrid, Alf.a.guara, 1997), on GGM's life to 1967: its most useful contribution is the information it provides on the genealogical background to the two sides of the GM family and on his childhood and schooldays. Historically the first biographical study was Mario Vargas Llosa, Garcia Marquez: historia de un deicidio Garcia Marquez: historia de un deicidio (Barcelona, Barral, 1971), which is also a work of literary criticism: although factually unreliable, it is especially illuminating because most of Vargas Llosa's information came direct from GGM in the late 1960s. Equally important is the book by GGM's brother Eligio Garcia, (Barcelona, Barral, 1971), which is also a work of literary criticism: although factually unreliable, it is especially illuminating because most of Vargas Llosa's information came direct from GGM in the late 1960s. Equally important is the book by GGM's brother Eligio Garcia, Tras las claves de Melquiades: historia de "Cien anos de soledad" Tras las claves de Melquiades: historia de "Cien anos de soledad" (Bogota, Norma, 2001). GGM's own most considered autobiographical reflections before his brilliant but not always accurate 2002 memoir (Bogota, Norma, 2001). GGM's own most considered autobiographical reflections before his brilliant but not always accurate 2002 memoir Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale (London, Jonathan Cape, 1993) (its epigraph, "Life is not what one lived, but what one remembers and how one remembers it in order to recount it," must be taken as a warning) were those in Plinio Apuleyo Mendoza, (London, Jonathan Cape, 1993) (its epigraph, "Life is not what one lived, but what one remembers and how one remembers it in order to recount it," must be taken as a warning) were those in Plinio Apuleyo Mendoza, The Fragrance of Guava The Fragrance of Guava (London, Faber, 1988), though, taken as a whole, GGM's weekly columns published in (London, Faber, 1988), though, taken as a whole, GGM's weekly columns published in El Espectador El Espectador (Bogota) and (Bogota) and El Pais El Pais (Madrid) between 1980 and 1984 were even more informative and illuminating but are unavailable in English. Juan Luis Cebrian, (Madrid) between 1980 and 1984 were even more informative and illuminating but are unavailable in English. Juan Luis Cebrian, Retrato de GGM Retrato de GGM (Barcelona, Circulo de Lectores, 1989), is a biographical essay with excellent ill.u.s.trations. Mendoza, (Barcelona, Circulo de Lectores, 1989), is a biographical essay with excellent ill.u.s.trations. Mendoza, The Fragrance of Guava The Fragrance of Guava and GGM, and GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale are the only key works on GGM's biography available in English but Stephen Minta, are the only key works on GGM's biography available in English but Stephen Minta, Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Writer of Colombia Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Writer of Colombia (London, Jonathan Cape, 1987) and Gene Bell-Villada, (London, Jonathan Cape, 1987) and Gene Bell-Villada, Garcia Marquez: The Man and His Work Garcia Marquez: The Man and His Work (Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 1990) are also helpful. Literary-critical a.n.a.lyses (see esp. Bell, Wood) can be found in the bibliography. (Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 1990) are also helpful. Literary-critical a.n.a.lyses (see esp. Bell, Wood) can be found in the bibliography.3. On "natural children" see GGM, "Telepatia sin hilos," On "natural children" see GGM, "Telepatia sin hilos," El Espectador El Espectador (Bogota), 23 November 1980. See the family trees in the appendix for the way in which (Bogota), 23 November 1980. See the family trees in the appendix for the way in which OHYS OHYS replicates the Garcia Martinez and Marquez Iguaran family histories in their oscillation between legitimate and illegitimate unions. replicates the Garcia Martinez and Marquez Iguaran family histories in their oscillation between legitimate and illegitimate unions.4. See Guillermo Henriquez Torres, See Guillermo Henriquez Torres, El misterio de los Buendia: el verdadero trasfondo historico de "Cien anos de soledad" El misterio de los Buendia: el verdadero trasfondo historico de "Cien anos de soledad" (Bogota, Nueva America, 2003; 2nd revised edition, 2006). Henriquez, a native of Cienaga, believes that the Buendia family of (Bogota, Nueva America, 2003; 2nd revised edition, 2006). Henriquez, a native of Cienaga, believes that the Buendia family of OHYS OHYS is based on his own family, the Henriquezes, descended in part from Jews who migrated from Amsterdam to the Caribbean. While few readers will swallow Henriquez's thesis whole, his book provides invaluable background and atmospherics to a reading of is based on his own family, the Henriquezes, descended in part from Jews who migrated from Amsterdam to the Caribbean. While few readers will swallow Henriquez's thesis whole, his book provides invaluable background and atmospherics to a reading of OHYS OHYS.5. See GGM, See GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 667, for a revised version of this episode. None of Nicolas Marquez's "natural" children inherited his name: they all carried their mother's surname.6. Interview, Barrancas, 1993. Interview, Barrancas, 1993.7. Jose Luis Diaz-Granados explained his relation to Gabriel Garcia Marquez as follows when I first met him in Bogota in 1991: "Colonel Marquez, when he was eighteen, had had a son by Altagracia Valdeblanquez; he was called Jose Maria and carried the maternal surname, Valdeblanquez: he was my mother's father. Later Colonel Marquez married Tranquilina Iguaran Cotes, the aunt of my father, Manuel Jose Diaz-Granados Cotes, and had three more children, among them Luisa Santiaga Marquez Iguaran, mother of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. In other words, I am the double cousin of Gabriel Garcia Marquez." This personal story was typical of the entanglements I came across, not only in the admittedly "exotic" Guajira but everywhere else I travelled in Colombia in the 1990s. Indeed JLD-G married a cousin in 1972! Jose Luis Diaz-Granados explained his relation to Gabriel Garcia Marquez as follows when I first met him in Bogota in 1991: "Colonel Marquez, when he was eighteen, had had a son by Altagracia Valdeblanquez; he was called Jose Maria and carried the maternal surname, Valdeblanquez: he was my mother's father. Later Colonel Marquez married Tranquilina Iguaran Cotes, the aunt of my father, Manuel Jose Diaz-Granados Cotes, and had three more children, among them Luisa Santiaga Marquez Iguaran, mother of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. In other words, I am the double cousin of Gabriel Garcia Marquez." This personal story was typical of the entanglements I came across, not only in the admittedly "exotic" Guajira but everywhere else I travelled in Colombia in the 1990s. Indeed JLD-G married a cousin in 1972!8. Ligia Garcia Marquez, interview, Bogota, 1991. Ligia Garcia Marquez, interview, Bogota, 1991.9. There is reason to believe Argemira was one of the prototypes for Pilar Ternera, a central character of There is reason to believe Argemira was one of the prototypes for Pilar Ternera, a central character of OHYS OHYS.10. I owe my information on Gabriel Martinez Garrido, who should have been called Gabriel Garrido Martinez, to his grandson Rafael Osorio Martinez. His evidence made me realise that GGM could easily have been called Gabriel Garrido Marquez (or, indeed, Gabriel Garrido Cotes); and this made me further realise just how far-reaching was GGM's decision to identify with his Liberal grandparents from the Guajira rather than his Conservative, landowning grandparents from Since (then in Bolivar department). I owe my information on Gabriel Martinez Garrido, who should have been called Gabriel Garrido Martinez, to his grandson Rafael Osorio Martinez. His evidence made me realise that GGM could easily have been called Gabriel Garrido Marquez (or, indeed, Gabriel Garrido Cotes); and this made me further realise just how far-reaching was GGM's decision to identify with his Liberal grandparents from the Guajira rather than his Conservative, landowning grandparents from Since (then in Bolivar department).11. When Gabriel junior was married in 1958 and needed his birth certificate, the family would persuade the priest in Aracataca to change the names of his paternal grandparents so that they appeared as Gabriel Garcia and Argemira Martinez. When Gabriel junior was married in 1958 and needed his birth certificate, the family would persuade the priest in Aracataca to change the names of his paternal grandparents so that they appeared as Gabriel Garcia and Argemira Martinez.

1 / Of Colonels and Lost Causes (18991927) 1. See Ernesto Gonzalez Bermejo, "GGM, la imaginacion al poder en Macondo," See Ernesto Gonzalez Bermejo, "GGM, la imaginacion al poder en Macondo," Crisis Crisis (Buenos Aires), 1972 (reprinted in Alfonso Renteria Mantilla, ed., (Buenos Aires), 1972 (reprinted in Alfonso Renteria Mantilla, ed., GM habla de GM en 33 grandes reportajes GM habla de GM en 33 grandes reportajes (Bogota, Renteria Editores, 1979) pp. 11117), where GGM says he wants Latin American revolutions to cease to be "martyrologies": he wants the continent and its people to start winning. His own life is a monument to this ambition. (Bogota, Renteria Editores, 1979) pp. 11117), where GGM says he wants Latin American revolutions to cease to be "martyrologies": he wants the continent and its people to start winning. His own life is a monument to this ambition.2. See David Bushnell, See David Bushnell, The Making of Modern Colombia. A Nation in Spite of Itself The Making of Modern Colombia. A Nation in Spite of Itself (Berkeley and Los Angeles, University of California Press, 1993), Eduardo Posada-Carbo, (Berkeley and Los Angeles, University of California Press, 1993), Eduardo Posada-Carbo, The Colombian Caribbean: A Regional History, 18701950 The Colombian Caribbean: A Regional History, 18701950 (Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1996), and Frank Safford and Marco Palacios, (Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1996), and Frank Safford and Marco Palacios, Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2001). (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2001).3. "Aunt Margarita was sixteen years older than my mother and there were various other children in the years between, all of them dead at birth: one baby girl, then two twin girls, and others ... Uncle Juanito was seventeen years older than my mother and she called him 'G.o.dfather,' not brother." Ligia quoted in Silvia Galvis, "Aunt Margarita was sixteen years older than my mother and there were various other children in the years between, all of them dead at birth: one baby girl, then two twin girls, and others ... Uncle Juanito was seventeen years older than my mother and she called him 'G.o.dfather,' not brother." Ligia quoted in Silvia Galvis, Los Garcia Marquez Los Garcia Marquez (Bogota, Arango, 1996), p. 152. (Bogota, Arango, 1996), p. 152.4. The Marquez Iguaran family's closest relations.h.i.+p of all was with Eugenio Rios, Nicolas's nephew and business partner. His daughter Ana Rios was only two when Luisa pa.s.sed through but remembers everything her mother a.r.s.enia Carrillo told her about those now legendary days. When her sister Francisca Luisa Rios Carrillo was born on 25 August 1925 she was "baptized" by Luisa two weeks after her birth, and thus became her G.o.ddaughter. The Marquez Iguaran family's closest relations.h.i.+p of all was with Eugenio Rios, Nicolas's nephew and business partner. His daughter Ana Rios was only two when Luisa pa.s.sed through but remembers everything her mother a.r.s.enia Carrillo told her about those now legendary days. When her sister Francisca Luisa Rios Carrillo was born on 25 August 1925 she was "baptized" by Luisa two weeks after her birth, and thus became her G.o.ddaughter.5. I am grateful to Gustavo Adolfo Ramirez Ariza for a copy of the I am grateful to Gustavo Adolfo Ramirez Ariza for a copy of the Gaceta Departmental Gaceta Departmental of Magdalena for November 1908 which shows that Nicolas was imprisoned for "homicide" at Santa Marta on 7 November 1908 but had not yet been tried. of Magdalena for November 1908 which shows that Nicolas was imprisoned for "homicide" at Santa Marta on 7 November 1908 but had not yet been tried.6. Saldivar, Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla GM: el viaje a la semilla, p. 44.7. See Mario Vargas Llosa and GGM, See Mario Vargas Llosa and GGM, La novela en America Latina: dialogo La novela en America Latina: dialogo (Lima, Milla Batres, 1968), p. 14. In (Lima, Milla Batres, 1968), p. 14. In OHYS OHYS the Nicolas role is played by Jose Arcadio Buendia and Medardo becomes Prudencio Aguilar. the Nicolas role is played by Jose Arcadio Buendia and Medardo becomes Prudencio Aguilar.8. GGM in conversation, Mexico City, 1999. GGM in conversation, Mexico City, 1999.9. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 40, for GGM's version of this episode.10. In In Leaf Storm Leaf Storm, pp. 514, GGM himself gives a romantic, Faulknerian version of what we could call the GM family founding myth, which blames the exodus on "the war" (and is indeed much less candid and "historical" than the still romanticized version he would give later in OHYS OHYS).11. Henriquez, Henriquez, El misterio El misterio, contradicts Saldivar's version of events, which follows the GM family line.12. Aracataca is forty metres above sea level, eighty-eight kilometres from Santa Marta, and its average temperature is twenty-eight degrees (which is why this is GGM's preferred working room temperature). Aracataca is forty metres above sea level, eighty-eight kilometres from Santa Marta, and its average temperature is twenty-eight degrees (which is why this is GGM's preferred working room temperature).13. See Lazaro Diago Julio, See Lazaro Diago Julio, Aracataca ... una historia para contar Aracataca ... una historia para contar (Aracataca, 1989, unpublished), an invaluable work of local history despite a tendency to consider GGM's literary works as historiographical evidence in their own right. (Aracataca, 1989, unpublished), an invaluable work of local history despite a tendency to consider GGM's literary works as historiographical evidence in their own right.14. These two words are much disputed in Colombia and it is reckless for a foreigner to get involved. It is generally agreed that These two words are much disputed in Colombia and it is reckless for a foreigner to get involved. It is generally agreed that costenos costenos are the inhabitants of the tropical lowlands in the Caribbean or Atlantic north of the country. The original are the inhabitants of the tropical lowlands in the Caribbean or Atlantic north of the country. The original cachacos cachacos were the upper-cla.s.s inhabitants of Bogota, but many were the upper-cla.s.s inhabitants of Bogota, but many costenos costenos have come to consider all inhabitants of "the interior" (mainly Andean) of the country as have come to consider all inhabitants of "the interior" (mainly Andean) of the country as cachacos cachacos, sometimes including even the paisas the paisas or inhabitants of Antioquia. See GGM, or inhabitants of Antioquia. See GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 412.15. Judith White, Judith White, Historia de una ignominia: la UFC en Colombia Historia de una ignominia: la UFC en Colombia (Bogota, Editorial Presencia, 1978), pp. 1920. Nevertheless Colonel Marquez was undoubtedly one of the town's leading Liberals. (He had been President of the Liberal Club in Riohacha when still a young man.) (Bogota, Editorial Presencia, 1978), pp. 1920. Nevertheless Colonel Marquez was undoubtedly one of the town's leading Liberals. (He had been President of the Liberal Club in Riohacha when still a young man.)16. See Saldivar, See Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla GM: el viaje a la semilla, p. 50; White, Historia Historia; and Catherine C. LeGrand, Frontier Expansion and Peasant Protest in Colombia, 1850-1936 Frontier Expansion and Peasant Protest in Colombia, 1850-1936 (Albuquerque, New Mexico University Press, 1986), p. 73. (Albuquerque, New Mexico University Press, 1986), p. 73.17. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 15, where GGM a.s.serts-erroneously-that his grandfather was twice Mayor of Aracataca.18. See See ibid. ibid., p. 42, for GGM's narration of this event.19. See See ibid. ibid., pp. 4460, on their courts.h.i.+p, a surprisingly lengthy narrative given that GGM had already told the story another way in Love in the Time of Cholera Love in the Time of Cholera (1985). (1985).20. Ligia GM, in Galvis, Los GM, pp. 1512. Ligia GM, in Galvis, Los GM, pp. 1512.21. GGM does not directly mention his father's surname in his memoir, which is noteworthy, to say the least. GGM does not directly mention his father's surname in his memoir, which is noteworthy, to say the least.22. GGM himself would meet Pareja as a student in Bogota, where Pareja was a law professor, had a bookshop and took a leading role in the 1948 GGM himself would meet Pareja as a student in Bogota, where Pareja was a law professor, had a bookshop and took a leading role in the 1948 Bogotazo Bogotazo.23. Cited by Jose Font Castro, "El padre de GM," Cited by Jose Font Castro, "El padre de GM," El Nacional El Nacional (Caracas), July 1972. See also J. Font Castro, "Las claves reales de (Caracas), July 1972. See also J. Font Castro, "Las claves reales de El amor en los tiempos del colera," El Pais El amor en los tiempos del colera," El Pais (Madrid), 19 January 1986. (Madrid), 19 January 1986.24. This is the version GGM reconstructs in his first novel This is the version GGM reconstructs in his first novel Leaf Storm Leaf Storm (1955). (1955).25. All can still be seen today, with the exception of the house, which was demolished early in 2007 to make way for a reconstructed version and a museum. All can still be seen today, with the exception of the house, which was demolished early in 2007 to make way for a reconstructed version and a museum.26. In Spanish: "La nina bonita de Aracataca." Both Vargas Llosa and Saldivar use this phrase. In Spanish: "La nina bonita de Aracataca." Both Vargas Llosa and Saldivar use this phrase.27. People in Aracataca told me they never saw Luisa out in the street in the 1920s. People in Aracataca told me they never saw Luisa out in the street in the 1920s.28. Love in the Time of Cholera Love in the Time of Cholera is based to a significant extent, as mentioned above, on the courts.h.i.+p between Gabriel Eligio and Luisa Santiaga. Garcia Marquez relates in is based to a significant extent, as mentioned above, on the courts.h.i.+p between Gabriel Eligio and Luisa Santiaga. Garcia Marquez relates in Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale that Aunt Francisca was an accomplice of the young couple; but Gabriel Eligio was always insistent that she was his worst enemy. He called her the "guard dog" ("la cancerbera"). that Aunt Francisca was an accomplice of the young couple; but Gabriel Eligio was always insistent that she was his worst enemy. He called her the "guard dog" ("la cancerbera").29. Leonel Giraldo, Leonel Giraldo, "Siete Dias "Siete Dias en Aracataca, el pueblo de 'Gabo' GM," en Aracataca, el pueblo de 'Gabo' GM," Siete Dias Siete Dias (Buenos Aires), 808, 8-14 December 1982. Gabriel Eligio would never change. Many years later he and his wife were asked in an interview what was their best memory. Luisa answered, "When Gabriel Eligio gave me the ring." Gabriel Eligio answered, "My bachelor days, how I enjoyed them!" (Buenos Aires), 808, 8-14 December 1982. Gabriel Eligio would never change. Many years later he and his wife were asked in an interview what was their best memory. Luisa answered, "When Gabriel Eligio gave me the ring." Gabriel Eligio answered, "My bachelor days, how I enjoyed them!"30. Ligia GM, in Galvis, Ligia GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM. Interview with Ruth Ariza Cotes, Bogota, 2007.31. Interview, Jose Font Castro, Madrid, 1997. Interview, Jose Font Castro, Madrid, 1997.32. Vargas Llosa, Vargas Llosa, Historia de un deicidio Historia de un deicidio, p. 14.33. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 59-60. In fact the house where they spent their honeymoon was the home of the Marquez Iguaran family next to the customs house in Riohacha. It was there, according to Ricardo Marquez Iguaran, who took me there in June 2008, where Gabriel Eligio's "excellent marksmans.h.i.+p" led to GGM's conception on the night of 12-13 June 1926. After two weeks the couple moved to another, more modest house in the next street.34. Clearly there are mysteries relating to the reasons why Nicolas reluctantly a.s.sented to their marriage and why Garcia Marquez's birth date has always been such a problem. The most obvious explanation, here as everywhere else in the world, at all times and in all places, is that Luisa Santiaga got pregnant out of wedlock and (since the date of the wedding seems not to be in doubt) that Gabito was born well before 6 March (or on 6 March but well overdue) and for that reason was not baptized and registered (by what was after all a very respectable, official, law-abiding and G.o.d-fearing family) until he was three. Luisa Santiaga insisting on marrying the illegitimate, unqualified Gabriel Eligio despite parental opposition is a remarkable story. Since there seems no doubt of her love for Gabriel Eligio, it is possible that her only way of securing her parents' reluctant agreement was to get pregnant. However, there is no more than circ.u.mstantial evidence for this. Clearly there are mysteries relating to the reasons why Nicolas reluctantly a.s.sented to their marriage and why Garcia Marquez's birth date has always been such a problem. The most obvious explanation, here as everywhere else in the world, at all times and in all places, is that Luisa Santiaga got pregnant out of wedlock and (since the date of the wedding seems not to be in doubt) that Gabito was born well before 6 March (or on 6 March but well overdue) and for that reason was not baptized and registered (by what was after all a very respectable, official, law-abiding and G.o.d-fearing family) until he was three. Luisa Santiaga insisting on marrying the illegitimate, unqualified Gabriel Eligio despite parental opposition is a remarkable story. Since there seems no doubt of her love for Gabriel Eligio, it is possible that her only way of securing her parents' reluctant agreement was to get pregnant. However, there is no more than circ.u.mstantial evidence for this.

2 / The House at Aracataca (19271928) 1. Mendoza, Mendoza, The Fragrance of Guava The Fragrance of Guava, p. 17.2. See John Archer, "Revelling in the fantastic," See John Archer, "Revelling in the fantastic," Sunday Telegraph Magazine Sunday Telegraph Magazine (London), 8 February 1981. "One of the ways they kept me quiet at night was to tell me that if I moved dead people would come out of every room. So when darkness fell I would be terrified." And German Castro Caycedo, "'Gabo' cuenta la novela de su vida," (London), 8 February 1981. "One of the ways they kept me quiet at night was to tell me that if I moved dead people would come out of every room. So when darkness fell I would be terrified." And German Castro Caycedo, "'Gabo' cuenta la novela de su vida," El Espectador El Espectador, 23 March 1977: "I'm not afraid of darkness. I'm afraid of big houses because dead people only come out in big houses ... I only buy little houses because dead people don't come out in them."3. Aida GM, in Galvis, Aida GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 99: "So then the grandson just sort of stayed in my grandparents' house." In one interview the grandson himself would tell a journalist, "My parents gave me to my grandparents as a present, to please them," a version which reconciles contradictions in several of the others.4. Luis Enrique GM, in Galvis, Luis Enrique GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 123.5. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 326, for GM's evocation of the house. My description is based on careful comparison of GGM's memoirs, the architects' a.n.a.lysis quoted in Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla GM: el viaje a la semilla, and the version established by the architects responsible for the 2008 reconstruction.6. See See ibid. ibid., p. 34, where GM says the room had "1925" inscribed on it, which is the year it was completed.7. Margot GM, in Galvis, Margot GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 65.8. See See Leaf Storm Leaf Storm; and Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 35.9. GGM himself would later "remember" a visit from Uribe Uribe, although the General was a.s.sa.s.sinated fourteen years before he was born. See GGM himself would later "remember" a visit from Uribe Uribe, although the General was a.s.sa.s.sinated fourteen years before he was born. See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 33.10. Like the character in Like the character in Leaf Storm Leaf Storm based upon him, Nicolas was always wandering around the house looking for little odd jobs like tightening screws and touching up paint. GGM himself would adopt this practice in later years as a way of relaxing between bouts of writing; by that time he was wearing workman's overalls in order to write. based upon him, Nicolas was always wandering around the house looking for little odd jobs like tightening screws and touching up paint. GGM himself would adopt this practice in later years as a way of relaxing between bouts of writing; by that time he was wearing workman's overalls in order to write.11. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 33 and 73-4: GGM says she was "my grandfather's older sister."12. See GGM, "Watching the Rain in Galicia," See GGM, "Watching the Rain in Galicia," The Best of Granta Travel The Best of Granta Travel (London, Granta/Penguin, 1991), pp. 1-5, where GGM describes Tranquilina's ways with bread and hams, the like of which he never tasted again until he visited Galicia: though already eating something similar ( (London, Granta/Penguin, 1991), pp. 1-5, where GGM describes Tranquilina's ways with bread and hams, the like of which he never tasted again until he visited Galicia: though already eating something similar (lacon) in Barcelona in the 1960s had brought back the pleasures but above all the anxieties and solitude of his childhood.13. Ligia GM, In Galvis, Ligia GM, In Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 152.14. GGM, "Vuelta a la semilla," GGM, "Vuelta a la semilla," El Espectador El Espectador, 18 December 1983.15. See "Growing Up in Macondo: Gabriel Garcia Marquez," See "Growing Up in Macondo: Gabriel Garcia Marquez," Writers and Places Writers and Places, transcript (BBC2 film, shown 12 February 1981, producer John Archer).16. See German Castro Caycedo, "'Gabo' cuenta la novela de su vida. 6," See German Castro Caycedo, "'Gabo' cuenta la novela de su vida. 6," El Espectador El Espectador, 23 March 1977, etc., for the image of the immobilized child, full of terror, and the obsession in his work with burials.17. BBC BBC2, "Growing Up in Macondo": "Everyone in the family is Caribbean and everyone in the Caribbean is superst.i.tious. My mother still is today, there are still many African and Indian belief systems operating inside Catholicism ... I myself believe in telepathy, premonitions, the power of dreams in ways we still don't understand ... I was brought up in that world, am still profoundly superst.i.tious and I still interpret my own dreams and operate largely through instinct."18. From my discussions with Margot Valdeblanquez based on her memories and family photographs; see also Saldivar, From my discussions with Margot Valdeblanquez based on her memories and family photographs; see also Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla GM: el viaje a la semilla, pp. 96-7, based on the recollections of Sara Emilia Marquez.19. BBC BBC2, "Growing Up in Macondo."20. "Recuerdos de la maestra de GM," "Recuerdos de la maestra de GM," El Espectador El Espectador, 31 October 1982.21. Story told by Gabriel Eligio to Jose Font Castro. Story told by Gabriel Eligio to Jose Font Castro.22. See Mendoza, See Mendoza, The Fragrance of Guava The Fragrance of Guava, p. 18.23. See GGM, "La vaina de los diccionarios," See GGM, "La vaina de los diccionarios," El Espectador El Espectador, 16 May 1982, in which he recalls his grandfather's misplaced respect for dictionaries and confesses his own pleasure in catching them out.24. From my discussions with Margot Valdeblanquez based on her memories and family photographs; see also Saldivar, From my discussions with Margot Valdeblanquez based on her memories and family photographs; see also Saldivar, GM GM, pp. 103-4, based on the recollections of Sara Emilia Marquez.25. White, White, Historia Historia, pp. 1920.26. See Gabriel Fonnegra, See Gabriel Fonnegra, Bananeras: testimonio vivo de una epopeya Bananeras: testimonio vivo de una epopeya (Bogota, Tercer Mundo, n.d.), pp. 278. (Bogota, Tercer Mundo, n.d.), pp. 278.27. Ibid. Ibid., p. 191.28. Ibid. Ibid., p. 26.29. See Catherine C. LeGrand, "Living in Macondo: Economy and Culture in a UFC Banana Enclave in Colombia," in Gilbert M. Joseph, Catherine C. LeGrand and Ricardo D. Salvatore, eds., Close Encounters of Empire: Writing the Cultural History of U.S.-Latin American Relations (Durham, N.C., Duke, University Press, 1998), pp. 33368 (p. 348). See Catherine C. LeGrand, "Living in Macondo: Economy and Culture in a UFC Banana Enclave in Colombia," in Gilbert M. Joseph, Catherine C. LeGrand and Ricardo D. Salvatore, eds., Close Encounters of Empire: Writing the Cultural History of U.S.-Latin American Relations (Durham, N.C., Duke, University Press, 1998), pp. 33368 (p. 348).30. GGM, GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 18.31. Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla, pp. 54, 522. Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla, pp. 54, 522.32. There is no definitive history of this event and no consensus as to the number of civilians killed by the army. Inevitably most writers view it through their own ideological prism. There is no definitive history of this event and no consensus as to the number of civilians killed by the army. Inevitably most writers view it through their own ideological prism.33. Carlos Arango, Sobrevivientes de las bananeras (Bogota, ECOE, 2nd ed., 1985), p. 54. Carlos Arango, Sobrevivientes de las bananeras (Bogota, ECOE, 2nd ed., 1985), p. 54.34. See Maria Tila Uribe, Los anos escondidos: suenos y rebeldias en la decada del veinte (Bogota, CESTRA, 1994), p. 265. See Maria Tila Uribe, Los anos escondidos: suenos y rebeldias en la decada del veinte (Bogota, CESTRA, 1994), p. 265.35. See Carlos Cortes Vargas, Los sucesos de las bananeras, ed. R. Herrera Soto (Bogota, Editorial Desarrollo, 2nd edition, 1979), p. 79. See Carlos Cortes Vargas, Los sucesos de las bananeras, ed. R. Herrera Soto (Bogota, Editorial Desarrollo, 2nd edition, 1979), p. 79.36. Roberto Herrera Soto and Rafael Romero Castaneda, Roberto Herrera Soto and Rafael Romero Castaneda, La zona bananera del Magdalena: historia y lexico La zona bananera del Magdalena: historia y lexico (Bogota, Inst.i.tuto Caro y Cuervo, 1979), pp. 48, 65. (Bogota, Inst.i.tuto Caro y Cuervo, 1979), pp. 48, 65.37. White, White, Historia Historia, p. 99.38. Herrera and Castaneda, Herrera and Castaneda, La zona bananera La zona bananera, p. 52.39. Arango, Arango, Sobrevivientes Sobrevivientes, pp. 84-6.40. Fonnegra, Fonnegra, Bananeras Bananeras, pp. 136-7.41. Ibid. Ibid., p. 138.42. Ibid. Ibid., p. 154.43. Jose Maldonado, quoted in Arango, Jose Maldonado, quoted in Arango, Sobrevivientes Sobrevivientes, p. 94.44. White, White, Historia Historia, p. 101.45. See GGM, "Vuelta a la semilla," See GGM, "Vuelta a la semilla," El Espectador El Espectador, 18 December 1983, in which he confesses that "it was only a few years ago I found out that he [Angarita] had taken up a very definite and coherent position during the strike and the killing of the banana workers." It is extraordinary to discover that GGM did not know most facts relevant to the strike-not excluding the actions of his grandfather, Duran, Angarita and others close to him-at the time of writing OHYS OHYS.46. Cortes Vargas, Cortes Vargas, Los sucesos de las bananeras Los sucesos de las bananeras, pp. 170-71, 174, 1823, 201, 225. Did GGM ever learn about the writing of these letters?47. Transcripts of the doc.u.ments, including Angarita's testimony, can be found in 1928: Transcripts of the doc.u.ments, including Angarita's testimony, can be found in 1928: La masacre en las bananeras La masacre en las bananeras (Bogota, Los Comuneros, n.d.). (Bogota, Los Comuneros, n.d.).

3 / Holding His Grandfather's Hand (1929-1937) 1. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 11-13, 80 and 122-5, for memories of these two visits.2. In In ibid. ibid., p. 123, he has her saying "You don't remember me anymore," but this should probably be counted an example of poetic licence.3. Margot was a disturbed child who would persist in eating earth until she was eight or nine years of age. She would inspire the characters of Amaranta and Rebeca in Margot was a disturbed child who would persist in eating earth until she was eight or nine years of age. She would inspire the characters of Amaranta and Rebeca in One Hundred Years of Solitude. One Hundred Years of Solitude.4. BBC BBC2, "Growing Up in Macondo."5. "El microcosmos de GM," "El microcosmos de GM," Excelsior Excelsior (Mexico City), 12 April 1971. (Mexico City), 12 April 1971.6. LeGrand, LeGrand, Frontier Expansion Frontier Expansion, p. 73.7. Margot GM, in Galvis, Los GM, pp. 6061. Evidently Margot and Gabito were thoroughly spoilt, as he acknowledges in "La conduerma de las palabras," Margot GM, in Galvis, Los GM, pp. 6061. Evidently Margot and Gabito were thoroughly spoilt, as he acknowledges in "La conduerma de las palabras," El Espectador El Espectador, 16 May 1981.8. It is generally believed in Aracataca that Nicolas bought and then rented out premises in the zone known as Cataquita which were turned into one of the "academias" or dance halls where both liquor and s.e.x were freely available. See Venancio Aramis Bermudez Gutierrez, "Aportes socioculturales de las migraciones en la Zona Bananera del Magdalena" (Bogota, November 1995, Beca Colcultura 1994, I Semestre, unpublished ms.). It is generally believed in Aracataca that Nicolas bought and then rented out premises in the zone known as Cataquita which were turned into one of the "academias" or dance halls where both liquor and s.e.x were freely available. See Venancio Aramis Bermudez Gutierrez, "Aportes socioculturales de las migraciones en la Zona Bananera del Magdalena" (Bogota, November 1995, Beca Colcultura 1994, I Semestre, unpublished ms.).9. BBC BBC2, "Growing Up in Macondo."10. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 82, on his lifelong fear of the dark.11. See Carlota de Olier, "Habla la madre de GM: 'Quisiera volar a verlo ... pero le tengo terror al avion,'" See Carlota de Olier, "Habla la madre de GM: 'Quisiera volar a verlo ... pero le tengo terror al avion,'" El Espectador El Espectador, 22 October 1982: "'If my father were alive,' says Dona Luisa, 'he would be happy. He always thought that death would prevent him enjoying Gabito's triumphs. He intuited that in time Gabito would achieve an outstanding position and often said, "What a pity I won't be there to see how far this child's intelligence will take him."'"12. See GGM, "Manos arriba?," See GGM, "Manos arriba?," El Espectador El Espectador, 20 March 1983, which notes that most visitors to the house wore guns.13. See Nicolas Suescun, "El prestidigitador de Aracataca," See Nicolas Suescun, "El prestidigitador de Aracataca," Cromos (Bogota), 26 October 1982, pp. 24-7, which begins its portrait of GGM the child blinking like a Cromos (Bogota), 26 October 1982, pp. 24-7, which begins its portrait of GGM the child blinking like a movie camera and thus absorbing and processing the world and turning it into stories. movie camera and thus absorbing and processing the world and turning it into stories.14. Margot GM, in Galvis, Margot GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, pp. 645.15. "La memoria de Gabriel," "La memoria de Gabriel," La Nacion (Guadalajara) La Nacion (Guadalajara), 1996, p. 9.16. Elena Poniatowska, "Los Cien anos de soledad se iniciaron con solo 20 dolares" (interview, September 1973), in her Todo Mexico (Mexico City, Diana, 1990). Elena Poniatowska, "Los Cien anos de soledad se iniciaron con solo 20 dolares" (interview, September 1973), in her Todo Mexico (Mexico City, Diana, 1990).17. GGM told German Castro Caycedo, in "'Gabo' cuenta la novela de su vida," GGM told German Castro Caycedo, in "'Gabo' cuenta la novela de su vida," El Espectador El Espectador, 23 March 1977, that until he himself was waiting for money in Paris he had always considered this ritual something of a comedy.18. Galvis, Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 64. The Colonel also wrote frequently to his eldest son Jose Maria Valdeblanquez.19. See GGM, "Vuelta a la semilla," See GGM, "Vuelta a la semilla," El Espectador El Espectador, 18 December 1983, where GGM speaks with great familiarity-for the first time-of General Jose Rosario Duran's house, which he and the Colonel must have pa.s.sed, or even visited, on many occasions.20. BBC BBC2, "Growing Up in Macondo." See GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 84, on Father Angarita.21. See GGM, "Memoria feliz de Caracas," See GGM, "Memoria feliz de Caracas," El Espectador El Espectador, 7 March 1982; also Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 43, on the Venezuelans in Aracataca.22. See GGM, See GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 24-32.23. Saldivar, Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla GM: el viaje a la semilla, pp. 67, 71-2.24. Interview with Antonio Daconte (grandson), Aracataca, November 2006. See GGM, Interview with Antonio Daconte (grandson), Aracataca, November 2006. See GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 18 and 87-8.25. See GGM, See GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 87-8 and 91-2.26. GGM, "La nostalgia de las almendras amargas," GGM, "La nostalgia de las almendras amargas," Cambio Cambio (Bogota), 23 June 2000. Also on Don Emilio, see "El personaje equivoco," (Bogota), 23 June 2000. Also on Don Emilio, see "El personaje equivoco," Cambio Cambio, 19-26 June 2000.27. BBC BBC2, "Growing Up in Macondo."28. See Henriquez, See Henriquez, El misterio El misterio, pp. 2834.29. Interview with Margot Valdeblanquez de Diaz-Granados, Bogota, 1993. Interview with Margot Valdeblanquez de Diaz-Granados, Bogota, 1993.30. See See OHYS OHYS and and Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 66-7, on the arrival of the seventeen b.a.s.t.a.r.ds with ash on their foreheads.31. BBC BBC2, "Growing Up in Macondo."32. See GGM, See GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 624.33. See Galvis, See Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 59.34. This was a traumatically confusing experience, to say the least. Garcia Marquez has always said that he did not "meet" his mother until he was five years old. Clearly he must mean "remember," because he must have seen her on at least one of the two visits to Barranquilla. In any case his first recollection, however conditioned by memory and desire, was a defining moment of his life, later recorded in both This was a traumatically confusing experience, to say the least. Garcia Marquez has always said that he did not "meet" his mother until he was five years old. Clearly he must mean "remember," because he must have seen her on at least one of the two visits to Barranquilla. In any case his first recollection, however conditioned by memory and desire, was a defining moment of his life, later recorded in both Leaf Storm Leaf Storm and and Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale. To awareness of his grandmother, his aunts and the servants, then, was now added a concrete awareness of this new personage: his mother.35. GGM, "Cuanto cuesta hacer un escritor?," GGM, "Cuanto cuesta hacer un escritor?," Cambio Cambio 16, Colombia, 11 December 1995. See 16, Colombia, 11 December 1995. See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 945, for GGM's recollections and att.i.tude to the school.36. According to Fonnegra, According to Fonnegra, Bananeras Bananeras, pp. 967, a Pedro Fergusson was Mayor of Aracataca in 1929.37. See GGM, "La poesia al alcance de los ninos," See GGM, "La poesia al alcance de los ninos," El Espectador El Espectador, 25 January 1981.38. Saldivar, Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla GM: el viaje a la semilla, p. 120.39. "Recuerdos de la maestra de GM," "Recuerdos de la maestra de GM," El Espectador El Espectador, 31 October 1982.40. Margot Valdeblanquez, interview, Bogota, 1991. Margot Valdeblanquez, interview, Bogota, 1991.41. Saldivar, Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla GM: el viaje a la semilla, p. 120.42. See Saldivar, "GM: 'La novela que estoy escribiendo esta localizada en Cartagena de Indias, durante el siglo XVIII,'" See Saldivar, "GM: 'La novela que estoy escribiendo esta localizada en Cartagena de Indias, durante el siglo XVIII,'" Diario 16 Diario 16 (Madrid), 1 April 1989. (Madrid), 1 April 1989.43. See Rita Guibert, See Rita Guibert, Seven Voices Seven Voices (New York, Vintage, 1973), pp. 317-20, for GGM on the relation between his early drawing of comic strips and his desire for public performance, which he was ultimately too self-conscious to carry off. (New York, Vintage, 1973), pp. 317-20, for GGM on the relation between his early drawing of comic strips and his desire for public performance, which he was ultimately too self-conscious to carry off.44. BBC BBC2, "Growing Up in Macondo."45. GGM, "La vaina de los diccionarios," GGM, "La vaina de los diccionarios," El Espectador El Espectador, May 1982.46. Luis Enrique GM, in Galvis, Luis Enrique GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, pp. 1234.47. Family births: Gabito, Aracataca, March 1927; Luis Enrique, Aracataca, September 1928; Margot, Barranquilla, November 1929; Aida Rosa, Barranquilla, December 1930; Ligia, Aracataca, August 1934 (she remembers the house in Aracataca in Galvis, Family births: Gabito, Aracataca, March 1927; Luis Enrique, Aracataca, September 1928; Margot, Barranquilla, November 1929; Aida Rosa, Barranquilla, December 1930; Ligia, Aracataca, August 1934 (she remembers the house in Aracataca in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 152); Gustavo, Aracataca, September 1936; then Rita, Barranquilla, July 1939; Jaime, Sucre, May 1940; Hernando ("Nanchi"), Sucre, March 1943; Alfredo ("Cuqui"), Sucre, February 1945; and Eligio Gabriel ("Yiyo"), Sucre, November 1947.48. Mendoza, Mendoza, The Fragrance of Guava The Fragrance of Guava, p. 21. (My translation.)49. See GGM, "La tunica fosforescente," See GGM, "La tunica fosforescente," El Tiempo El Tiempo, December 1992; also "Estas Navidades siniestras," El Espectador El Espectador, December 1980, in which he says he was five when all this happened. In Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 70, he says that he was ten on this occasion, not seven, as chronological laws would suggest.50. In In Leaf Storm Leaf Storm, pp. 5054, Martin, the character based partly on Gabriel Eligio, is both sinister (he uses Guajiro witchcraft, including sticking pins in dolls' eyes) and bland; evidently he never loved Isabel (the character based partly on Luisa) but only wanted contact with the Colonel's influence and money; and he left before his child (the character partly based on GGM) could have any memories of him-which of course is true of GGM's own experience, except in that case Gabriel Eligio also took Luisa away; whereas in Leaf Storm Leaf Storm GGM, in wish-fulfilment, has the mother to himself and sends the father away for ever. GGM, in wish-fulfilment, has the mother to himself and sends the father away for ever.51. "Recuerdos de la maestra de GM," "Recuerdos de la maestra de GM," El Espectador El Espectador, 31 October 1982.52. Margot GM, in Galvis, Margot GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 61.53. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 85.54. See Leonel Giraldo, "Siete Dias en Aracataca, el pueblo de 'Gabo' GM," See Leonel Giraldo, "Siete Dias en Aracataca, el pueblo de 'Gabo' GM," Siete Dias Siete Dias (Buenos Aires), 808, 814 December 1982. (Buenos Aires), 808, 814 December 1982.55. GGM addresses this question in GGM addresses this question in Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 824.56. Margot GM, in Galvis, Margot GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 62. See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 845, for GGM's reflections on the return of his parents; note in particular that although refusing overtly to criticize his father he immediately starts talking about beatings, thereby showing that he a.s.sociates his father with violence (for which, he says, Gabriel Eligio later apologized). Of course most parents physically chastised their children in those days.57. See Margot's recollections in Galvis, See Margot's recollections in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 68.58. GGM, GGM, Los cuentos de mi abuelo el coronel Los cuentos de mi abuelo el coronel, ed. Juan Gustavo Cobo Borda (Smurfit Carton de Colombia, 1988).59. See See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 956.60. Ramiro de la Espriella, "De 'La casa' fue saliendo todo," Ramiro de la Espriella, "De 'La casa' fue saliendo todo," Imagen Imagen (Caracas), 1972. (Caracas), 1972.61. See Luis Enrique's hilarious recollections of the journey to Since in Galvis, See Luis Enrique's hilarious recollections of the journey to Since in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, pp. 1245; also GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 967.62. Interview with GGM, Mexico City, 1999. Interview with GGM, Mexico City, 1999.63. I visited Since with GGM's brother-in-law Alfonso Torres (married to GGM's sister Rita, who had lived there) in 1998. I visited Since with GGM's brother-in-law Alfonso Torres (married to GGM's sister Rita, who had lived there) in 1998.64. Margot GM, in Galvis, Margot GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 68.65. Saldivar, "GM: 'La novela que estoy escribiendo esta localizada en Cartagena de Indias, durante el siglo XVIII,'" Diario 16, 1 April 1989. These are clearly very important statements. GGM's stories and novels are obsessed with corpses but GGM himself seems never to have seen the corpses of people who were important to him until his father died in 1984. In his first story, "La tercera resignacion" (1947), the narrator himself dies but his corpse does not decompose or get buried. Saldivar, "GM: 'La novela que estoy escribiendo esta localizada en Cartagena de Indias, durante el siglo XVIII,'" Diario 16, 1 April 1989. These are clearly very important statements. GGM's stories and novels are obsessed with corpses but GGM himself seems never to have seen the corpses of people who were important to him until his father died in 1984. In his first story, "La tercera resignacion" (1947), the narrator himself dies but his corpse does not decompose or get buried.66. Guillermo Ochoa, "Los seres que inspiraron a Gabito," Guillermo Ochoa, "Los seres que inspiraron a Gabito," Excelsior Excelsior (Mexico City), 13 April 1971. Of course he was not eight but ten when his grandfather died (in "El personaje equivoco," (Mexico City), 13 April 1971. Of course he was not eight but ten when his grandfather died (in "El personaje equivoco," Cambio Cambio, 19-26 June 2000, he says it happened "when I was not much more than five"); but he was indeed eight when his grandfather had his fateful accident and it was then that the life he had led until that moment, already threatened by the return of his parents and siblings, effectively came to an end.67. Luisa Marquez, interview, Barranquilla, 1993. Luisa Marquez, interview, Barranquilla, 1993.68. Margot GM, in Galvis, Margot GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 69.69. Luis Enrique, in Galvis, Luis Enrique, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 130. Did the always mischievous Luis Enrique know more about the "academy" and its antecedents than he lets on?70. GGM, "Regreso a la guayaba," GGM, "Regreso a la guayaba," El Espectador El Espectador, 10 April 1983. On his relation to Aracataca, see also GGM, "Vuelta a la semilla," El Espectador El Espectador, 18 December 1983.

4 / Schooldays: Barranquilla, Sucre, Zipaquira (19381946) 1. GGM, GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 128-29.2. Ibid. Ibid., p. 132.3. Ibid. Ibid., pp. 1423.4. Mendoza, Mendoza, The Fragrance of Guava The Fragrance of Guava, p. 19.5. GGM, GGM, Vivir para contarla Vivir para contarla (Mexico City, Diana, 2002), p. 173. (My translation.) (Mexico City, Diana, 2002), p. 173. (My translation.)6. Vivir para contarla Vivir para contarla, p. 163. (My translation.) The fact that he did survive was always attributed by Luisa Santiaga to the fact that she gave him cod-liver oil every day: see Guillermo Ochoa, "El microcosmos de GM," Excelsior Excelsior (Mexico City), April 12 1971: "'The kid smelled of fish all day,' his father says." (Mexico City), April 12 1971: "'The kid smelled of fish all day,' his father says."7. The following sections on Sucre draw on my interviews with Senora Luisa Marquez de Garcia in Cartagena and Barranquilla, 1991 and 1993, on a conversation with GGM himself in Mexico City in 1999, and on many conversations with all his brothers and sisters down the years-as well as on the published sources recorded in these notes. The following sections on Sucre draw on my interviews with Senora Luisa Marquez de Garcia in Cartagena and Barranquilla, 1991 and 1993, on a conversation with GGM himself in Mexico City in 1999, and on many conversations with all his brothers and sisters down the years-as well as on the published sources recorded in these notes.8. Gustavo GM, in Galvis, Gustavo GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 185.9. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 155.10. Vivir para contarla Vivir para contarla, p. 188. (My translation.)11. Juan Gossain, quoted by Heriberto Fiorillo, Juan Gossain, quoted by Heriberto Fiorillo, La Cueva: cronica del grupo de Barranquilla La Cueva: cronica del grupo de Barranquilla (Bogota, Planeta, 2002), pp. 87-8. (Bogota, Planeta, 2002), pp. 87-8.12. Saldivar, GM: Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla el viaje a la semilla, is the best source on GGM's time in the Colegio San Juan. But see also Jose A. Nunez Segura, "Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Gabo-Gabito)," Revista Javeriana (Bogota), 352, March 1969, pp. 31-6, in which one of the Jesuit teachers at the school retrieves some of GGM's juvenile compositions.13. Galvis, Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 70.14. GGM mentions this murder in GGM mentions this murder in Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 227-8.15. The youngest, Yiyo, did not entirely agree: he once told me that all the younger children, the ones born in Sucre, were "hopeless," including him, precisely because they were the only ones his father had delivered! The youngest, Yiyo, did not entirely agree: he once told me that all the younger children, the ones born in Sucre, were "hopeless," including him, precisely because they were the only ones his father had delivered!16. See Harley D. Oberhelman, "Gabriel Eligio Garcia habla de Gabito," in Peter G. Earle, ed., See Harley D. Oberhelman, "Gabriel Eligio Garcia habla de Gabito," in Peter G. Earle, ed., Gabriel Garcia Marquez Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Madrid, Taurus, 1981), pp. 281-3. Oberhelman interviewed Gabriel Eligio about his medical training and experience. (Madrid, Taurus, 1981), pp. 281-3. Oberhelman interviewed Gabriel Eligio about his medical training and experience.17. Guillermo Ochoa, "El microcosmos de GM," Guillermo Ochoa, "El microcosmos de GM," Excelsior Excelsior, 12 April 1971.18. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 224.19. GGM in conversation, Mexico City, 1999. GGM in conversation, Mexico City, 1999.20. Rosario Agudelo, "Conversaciones con Garcia Marquez," Rosario Agudelo, "Conversaciones con Garcia Marquez," Pueblo Pueblo, suplemento, "Sabado Literario" (Madrid), 2 May 1981. In other versions GGM laughs this traumatic experience off; Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale gives a kind of intermediate version; and gives a kind of intermediate version; and Memories of My Melancholy Wh.o.r.es Memories of My Melancholy Wh.o.r.es gives a fictionalized account. gives a fictionalized account.21. Popular Caribbean musical genre whose style evolved out of the Popular Caribbean musical genre whose style evolved out of the c.u.mbia c.u.mbia, Colombia's traditional national dance rhythm.22. Roberto Ruiz, "Eligio Garcia en Cartagena. El abuelo de Macondo," Roberto Ruiz, "Eligio Garcia en Cartagena. El abuelo de Macondo," El Siglo El Siglo, 31 October 1969.23. Quoted by Gossain in Fiorillo, Quoted by Gossain in Fiorillo, La Cueva La Cueva, p. 88. Gabriel Eligio later denied the intention to trepan.24. See GGM, "El cuento del cuento. (Conclusion)," See GGM, "El cuento del cuento. (Conclusion)," El Espectador El Espectador, 2 September 1981, in which he recalls his adolescent days in Sucre (un-named) and states that they were "the freest years of my life." On his att.i.tude to prost.i.tutes, see Claudia Dreifus, "Gabriel Garcia Marquez," Playboy Playboy 30:2, February 1983. 30:2, February 1983.25. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 166.26. My translation. See My translation. See Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 168-71.27. ibid. ibid., p. 174.28. See GGM, "Bogota 1947," See GGM, "Bogota 1947," El Espectador El Espectador, 21 October 1981 and "El rio de nuestra vida," El Espectador El Espectador, 22 March 1981. The writer Christopher Isherwood visited Colombia in the 1940s and travelled on the David Arango. David Arango. See his evocation of the journey in See his evocation of the journey in The Condor and the Cows The Condor and the Cows (London, Methuen, 1949). (London, Methuen, 1949).29. GGM, GGM, The Autumn of the Patriarch The Autumn of the Patriarch (London, Picador, 1978), p. 16. (London, Picador, 1978), p. 16.30. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 179-80.31. The best evocation of this entire journey and the arrival in Bogota is in German Castro Caycedo, "'Gabo' cuenta la novela de su vida. 1 and 2," The best evocation of this entire journey and the arrival in Bogota is in German Castro Caycedo, "'Gabo' cuenta la novela de su vida. 1 and 2," El Espectador El Espectador, 23 March 1977.32. GGM, "Bogota 1947," GGM, "Bogota 1947," El Espectacdor El Espectacdor, 18 October 1981.33. GGM, GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 184-5.34. The best source on the school at Zipaquira is Saldivar, The best source on the school at Zipaquira is Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla. GM: el viaje a la semilla. Much of my information is based on an interview with a schoolmate of GM, Jose Espinosa, Bogota, 1998. Much of my information is based on an interview with a schoolmate of GM, Jose Espinosa, Bogota, 1998.35. Rosario Agudelo, "Conversaciones con Garcia Marquez," Rosario Agudelo, "Conversaciones con Garcia Marquez," Pueblo Pueblo, suplemento, "Sabado Literario" (Madrid), 2 May 1981.36. See Aline Helg, See Aline Helg, La educacion en Colombia La educacion en Colombia 19181957: 19181957: una historia social, economica y politica una historia social, economica y politica (Bogota, CEREC, 1987). (Bogota, CEREC, 1987).37. GGM, "'Estoy comprometido hasta el tuetano con el periodismo politico.' GGM, "'Estoy comprometido hasta el tuetano con el periodismo politico.' Alternativa Alternativa entrevista a GGM," Alternativa (Bogota), 29, 31 March-13 April 1975, p. 3. entrevista a GGM," Alternativa (Bogota), 29, 31 March-13 April 1975, p. 3.38. See Juan Gustavo Cobo Borda, "Cuatro horas de comadreo literario con GGM" (interview 23 March 1981), in his See Juan Gustavo Cobo Borda, "Cuatro horas de comadreo literario con GGM" (interview 23 March 1981), in his Silva, Arciniegas, Mutis y Garcia Marquez Silva, Arciniegas, Mutis y Garcia Marquez (Bogota, Presidencia de la Republica, 1997), pp. 469-82 (p. 475). (Bogota, Presidencia de la Republica, 1997), pp. 469-82 (p. 475).39. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 196.40. Quoted by Carlos Rincon, "GGM entra en los 65 anos. Tres o cuatro cosas que querria saber de el," Quoted by Carlos Rincon, "GGM entra en los 65 anos. Tres o cuatro cosas que querria saber de el," El Espectador El Espectador, 1 March 1992.41. Margot Garcia Marquez told me in 1993: "When Mama was pregnant with Nanchi, it happened again. This time even Mama got upset. She was in bed in the two-storey house in Sucre square and she wouldn't get up. That time she even screamed at him. And Mama was always incredibly sick, vomiting, with each of her pregnancies, she always lost weight, it was amazing but true. And I got really upset for her and wanted to do something about it, but she wouldn't let me." Margot Garcia Marquez told me in 1993: "When Mama was pregnant with Nanchi, it happened again. This time even Mama got upset. She was in bed in the two-storey house in Sucre square and she wouldn't get up. That time she even screamed at him. And Mama was always incredibly sick, vomiting, with each of her pregnancies, she always lost weight, it was amazing but true. And I got really upset for her and wanted to do something about it, but she wouldn't let me."42. Luis Enrique GM, Galvis, Luis Enrique GM, Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 146.43. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 217-18.44. Saldivar, GM: Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla el viaje a la semilla, p. 156.45. Dario too came from a small Caribbean town, he too was brought up away from his own mother, and he too had listened to an old colonel telling tales of war. Thirty years later Garcia Marquez's Dario too came from a small Caribbean town, he too was brought up away from his own mother, and he too had listened to an old colonel telling tales of war. Thirty years later Garcia Marquez's The Autumn of the Patriarch The Autumn of the Patriarch would be, among other things, a loving tribute to Dario's poetic language. would be, among other things, a loving tribute to Dario's poetic language.46. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 205.47. "La ex-novia del n.o.bel Colombiano," "La ex-novia del n.o.bel Colombiano," El Pais El Pais (Madrid), 7 October 2002. (Madrid), 7 October 2002.48. Vivir para contarla Vivir para contarla, p. 242. (My translation.)49. See GGM, See GGM, One Hundred Years of Solitude One Hundred Years of Solitude (London, Picador, 1978), pp. 2930. (London, Picador, 1978), pp. 2930.50. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, p. 204.51. Ibid. Ibid., p. 193.52. Ibid. Ibid., p. 193.53. See Saldivar, See Saldivar, GM: el viaje a la semilla GM: el viaje a la semilla, p. 166; also GGM, Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 193-4.54. See German Santamaria, "Carlos Julio Calderon Hermida, el profesor de GM," See German Santamaria, "Carlos Julio Calderon Hermida, el profesor de GM," Gaceta Gaceta (Bogota, Colcultura), 39, 1983, pp. 4-5. (Bogota, Colcultura), 39, 1983, pp. 4-5.55. In interviews after he became famous he frequently denied ever having written poetry: see, for example, his conversation with Maria Esther Gilio, "Escribir bien es un deber revolucionario," In interviews after he became famous he frequently denied ever having written poetry: see, for example, his conversation with Maria Esther Gilio, "Escribir bien es un deber revolucionario," Triunfo Triunfo (Madrid), 1977, included in Renteria, ed., (Madrid), 1977, included in Renteria, ed., GM habla de GM en 33 grandes reportajes. GM habla de GM en 33 grandes reportajes.56. See See La Casa Grande La Casa Grande (Mexico City/Bogota), 1:3, February-April 1997, p. 45, where the poem is published "thanks to Da.s.so Saldivar and Luis Villar Borda." (Mexico City/Bogota), 1:3, February-April 1997, p. 45, where the poem is published "thanks to Da.s.so Saldivar and Luis Villar Borda."57. Living to Tell the Tale Living to Tell the Tale, pp. 205-6.58. Ligia GM, in Galvis, Ligia GM, in Galvis, Los GM Los GM, p. 165: "When Gabito fell in love with Mercedes she was a girl of eight in a pinafore dress with little ducks on."59. See Beatriz Lopez de Barcha, "'Gabito espero a que yo creciera,'" See Beatriz Lopez de Barcha, "'Gabito espero a que yo creciera,'" Carrusel Carrusel, Revista de El Tiempo El Tiempo (Bogota), 10 December 1982. (Bogota), 10 December 1982.60. This was republished by Hector Abad Gomez, "GM poeta?," This was republished by Hector Abad Gomez, "GM poeta?," El Tiempo El Tiempo, Lecturas Dominicale