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
-
CSW's DEIB Office Hosts Heritage Fest
Read MoreYesterday, the DEIB Office hosted our annual Heritage Fest with 25 heritages represented! The table displays truly transformed The Fit into a celebration of the rich cultures that make up our CSW community. From delicious food to beautiful artwork and meaningful traditions, each table showcased thoughtfulness, care, and pride. You helped create an atmosphere that was vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring—and the DEIB office couldn’t have done it without you. -
Empty Bowls Event Raises Over $2,500 for Rosie’s Place
Read MoreThank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Empty Bowls event a success! Over the past few months, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families came together at various events to paint more than 100 beautiful ceramic bowls.The evening was filled with warmth and community spirit, featuring exciting raffles, delicious food, and performances by talented student musicians. The vibrant gathering not only brought people together but also raised funds for an important cause.Thanks to the incredible generosity and participation of our community, the event raised over $2,500 in support of Rosies's Place, a multi-service community center that provides emergency shelter, nutritious meals, and a wide array of essential services for women in need. Together, we made a meaningful impact—and we’re already looking forward to next year! -
Former Art Teacher Orlando Leyba Returns to CSW as Guest Speaker and Exhibiting Artist
Read MoreFormer CSW art teacher and accomplished artist Orlando Leyba returned to campus this week as a guest speaker at assembly, sharing stories from his personal and artistic journey as well as his process for creating.Orlando, who is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, taught at CSW for ten years, spoke candidly about his childhood in New Mexico, where he spent summers working the fields with his grandfather. “When I would work these fields, I’d often get distracted because I would be finding pottery shards” he shared. “I would find treasures all the time when I would work the fields with my grandfather.” -
Spring Wilderness Trip Goes to Maine for Sea Kayaking and Camping
Read MoreThis mod break, students embarked on the Spring Wilderness Trip — a sea kayaking and camping adventure in the New Meadow River region off the coast of Brunswick, Maine. The trip was split into two groups and began at Sawyer Park in West Bend, where students learned the basics of sea kayaking and camping before setting out in wetsuits through winds choppy waters. After a full day of paddling, the group reached their island campsites and enjoyed a cozy bonfire. The next day was filled with more exploration by kayak, as students navigated the scenic coastal waterways.
On the final morning, the group woke up at 4 a.m. to catch a breathtaking sunrise through thick coastal fog. After packing up camp, they paddled back to Brunswick, where a well-earned diner breakfast awaited. The trip was a great success — filled with adventure, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. We hope to see even more students join us for the next wilderness experience! -
Dance Chair Nailah Randall-Bellinger to Lead Dance Showcase at Boston Center for the Arts
Dance Department Chair Nailah Randall Bellinger, who is wrapping up her Boston Dancemakers residency at the Boston Center for the Arts, will be leading a showcase examining the life of performing artist Donny Edward Hathaway. The multimodal dance narrative, (just) 33, “utilizes the body of Donny Hathaway’s work and archival documentation… to celebrate the breadth and genius of this inspiring intergenerational artist.”Read More
Meet CSW Students
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.
Tell Us What You Think!