Jane's Pocket Change: One Hundred Years of Solitude
Garcia Marquez brought a kind of literature to us that broadened our geographical and sociological horizons. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1982. Garcia Marquez was 87 when he died, in his adopted home of Mexico City. Known as Gabo, he said: “I think my books have had political impact in Latin America because they helped create a Latin American identity; they help Latin Americans to become more aware of their culture.”
Garcia Marquez brought a kind of literature to us that broadened our geographical and sociological horizons. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1982. Garcia Marquez was 87 when he died, in his adopted home of Mexico City. Known as Gabo, he said: “I think my books have had political impact in Latin America because they helped create a Latin American identity; they help Latin Americans to become more aware of their culture.”
A great writer died last week, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I found his book, One Hundred Years of Solitude on my bookshelf and cast my mind back to reading it almost 30 years ago. Published in 1967, when I was in high school, it looks as if I actually purchased it in 1988, from Wordsworth in Harvard Square for the princely sum of $4.46.
The opening line intrigues still: “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendia was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” I also recall someone eating dirt—an image I have never forgotten.
The novel tells the story of the fictitious town of Macondo, the city of mirrors, and the Buendia family. It became popular at a time when America was discovering the literature of Latin America and the book was known for the genre of “magical realism.” I recall it being an epic story, similar and yet unlike many of the European novels I cut my teeth on at university.
Garcia Marquez brought a kind of literature to us that broadened our geographical and sociological horizons. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1982. Garcia Marquez was 87 when he died, in his adopted home of Mexico City. Known as Gabo, he said: “I think my books have had political impact in Latin America because they helped create a Latin American identity; they help Latin Americans to become more aware of their culture.”
I can only thank this Colombian-born genius for broadening my literary horizons; I honor his passing.
_______________________________________________________________
Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
A great writer died last week, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I found his book, One Hundred Years of Solitude on my bookshelf and cast my mind back to reading it almost 30 years ago. Published in 1967, when I was in high school, it looks as if I actually purchased it in 1988, from Wordsworth in Harvard Square for the princely sum of $4.46.
The opening line intrigues still: “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendia was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” I also recall someone eating dirt—an image I have never forgotten.
The novel tells the story of the fictitious town of Macondo, the city of mirrors, and the Buendia family. It became popular at a time when America was discovering the literature of Latin America and the book was known for the genre of “magical realism.” I recall it being an epic story, similar and yet unlike many of the European novels I cut my teeth on at university.
Garcia Marquez brought a kind of literature to us that broadened our geographical and sociological horizons. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1982. Garcia Marquez was 87 when he died, in his adopted home of Mexico City. Known as Gabo, he said: “I think my books have had political impact in Latin America because they helped create a Latin American identity; they help Latin Americans to become more aware of their culture.”
I can only thank this Colombian-born genius for broadening my literary horizons; I honor his passing.
_______________________________________________________________
Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
Campus News
-
Our Children's Trust Visits CSW
Read MoreEach year, the Maverick Lloyd Speaker Series at CSW welcomes pioneering speakers with a strong foundation in social justice activism and civil engagement to CSW, informing and empowering students to actively promote justice in their communities and beyond. The 2024 Maverick Lloyd speakers were Mat dos Santos and Laura Gehrke of Our Children’s Trust, a groundbreaking nonprofit organization that empowers youth to secure their legal rights to a life-sustaining climate. -
Sustainability Commitee Organizes Earth Day Workshop Series
Students in CSW’s Sustainability Committee, a group charged with creating and supporting a systematic and ongoing sustainability culture on campus, organized a series of workshops focused around the topics of sustainability and environmental activism. Workshops were conceptualized and led by students, faculty/staff, and special guests alike.Read More -
David Hogg Delivers 2024 Social Justice Day Keynote
CSW was honored to welcome David Hogg to campus to deliver the keynote address at our 2024 Michael H. Feldman ’67 Social Justice Day. This year’s topic, as voted on by the CSW student body, was Gun Violence and Legislation.Read More -
Brazilian Drummer Bruno Tessele Visits CSW
Read MoreOn March 8, 2024, students in Gustavo Brasil's "Beat Making" music class got a special visit from Brazilian drummer Bruno Tessele! Bruno has been working extensively as a musician, composer, producer, arranger and teacher on the Brazilian and international music scene. -
CSW Theatre Department Competes at the METG
Read MoreOn Saturday, March 2, 2024, our students in the High School Drama Festival D Block traveled to Wayland High School for the Massachusetts Education Theatre Guild High School Drama Festival. They spent Mods 3 and 4 preparing their submission of "Einstein's Dream" and three students brought home awards! Congratulations to Monty B. '25 and Luke S. '26 for winning an award for Technical Excellence in Prop Design, and Brayden B. '24 for winning an award for his role as Einstein.
Meet CSW Students
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.
Tell Us What You Think!