Editor's Note:

"Read ten thousand books,MKS sports and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society. To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.

Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at [email protected]

Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected.

Photo: IC

The book of One Hundred Years of Solitudeby Gabriel García Márquez is captivating. This literary masterpiece transports readers to an enchanting town, immersing them in a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur seamlessly. Through its intricate narrative, the novel depicts a picture of magical realism that captures readers' imagination and stirs their souls.

The story unfolds in the fictional town of Macondo, a place filled with extraordinary characters and events. At the center of the narrative is the Buendía family, whose lives are shaped by love, ambition, and solitude. 

One thing that stood out to me was the way Márquez combined reality and fantasy. For example, a character could live for over 100 years or ascend into the sky, but in the story, these things felt completely natural. 

This magical realism made me think about how real life can sometimes feel like a dream, with unexpected twists and turns.

I also noticed how the book repeats certain patterns, like names and events. It reminded me that history tends to repeat itself if we don't learn from the past. 

The loneliness each family member faced was heartbreaking. The rather sour experience of solitude permeates all those family members' lives, serving as a powerful reminder of humanity's constant yearning for connection. 

When reading the book, I sensed that the author's literary talent was in tune with his creative intuition. I saw how the writer roamed poetically when depicting some literary scenes, meanwhile, the writer was able to create a smooth and logical narrative line, which is even more precious considering the book's unconventional writing style.  

I was drawn by not only the story conveyed by this book, but also the literary beauty exhibited within. It is like an artwork in the form of words, and I was able to get a taste of the consolation that art brings people from reading the piece. 

Although some parts of the book were complicated and the story had many characters, I learned to appreciate its deeper meaning. It taught me about the importance of family, the consequences of choices, and how history shapes who we are.

What I would also like to mention is that the book's theme of solitude is pervasive throughout the novel. Each character is trapped in their own loneliness, unable to fully connect with others. They are burdened by their pasts, their desires, and their unfulfilled dreams. 

Experiencing the loneliness of these characters was like looking into a mirror, reflecting a similar quality within myself that I hadn't noticed before. Although the notion of "loneliness" is not a welcomed one, after reading the book, I actually felt encouraged to find the beauty in loneliness. For example, one's thinking is generally better during quiet moments.

This book also explores the cyclical nature of history. The Buendía family's story repeats itself over generations, as if caught in an endless loop. This reflects the idea that human history is often marked by repetition and that we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past unless we learn from them. 

Reading this book is a transformative experience. It challenges our perceptions of reality and forces us to think deeply about the nature of time, memory, and identity. Márquez's prose is rich and lyrical, drawing us in with its beauty and power.

In conclusion, One Hundred Years of Solitudeis a literary gem that continues to inspire readers around the world. Its timeless theme makes it a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and unforgettable reading experience.

The author is a student at the Experimental High School Attached to Beijing Normal University