Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez

8 members of our group met to discuss this very short book.  Because I struggled to find anything about the book that inspired conversation I expected we would have an equally short meeting. I should have known better as the shared experience of reading rarely leads to predictable discussion and this meeting was 'book group' at its very best.

The opening comment: "I hated the Glass Castle BUT I thought this book was really good!" met with a howl of (dismissive) laughter from the far corner BUT then a conversation began to flow that turned out to be significantly longer, and to a greater depth, than I thought possible.

The story is of the short period of time surrounding an event that occurred in a small (Columbian) village. It is, apparently, loosely, based on a real event that took place in the 1950's and yet is more akin to Mediaeval times!

A narrator who did not witness the event tells the story. Through research and interview (he) pulls many threads together so that, eventually, he can claim 'I saw it in my memory'.

There is an of illusion simplicity. The book isn't long and it's certainly no mystery. The reader knows the ending from the outset. It is though, we concluded, extremely clever to write a book having disclosed the ending and yet, keep the reader unaware of what happens.

There is no scene painting and no real background provided of the characters. We couldn't name a favourite character as we didn't get to know any of them. We were not supposed to get to know them, we were 'simply' supposed to know the story of an event that lasted about an hour and a half. Readers can draw their own conclusions about what happened and think about 'why?' it was allowed to happen. This story is richer on reflection. It is not as it appears, a simple piece of writing.

The story is a brilliant illustration of community failing to take responsibility. It is gory. Some of the group found it 'boring' and others of us (including me) just didn't 'get it' until...we talked it through. My failing was that I read it in short bursts, a few pages at a time. This is a book to read in one or two 'sittings'.  I felt I was going two steps forward and three steps back as I continually re-read sections in order to remind myself of who was who - It is easy to lose track. I will one day give it another go on a holiday 'readathon'!

After a long and enlightening conversation the perfectly put closing comment was: 'I'm glad it wasn't longer - it was exactly enough!'

Would we recommend this book? yes - to friends that we think would 'get it' and enjoy it.

Our next meeting is THURSDAY 24th March 8pm at The Hundred of Ashendon. We will be discussing All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.