The General in His Labyrinth

"The General in His Labyrinth" is a historical novel by Gabriel García Márquez that imagines the last days of Simón Bolívar, the South American liberator. Set in the early 19th century, the story explores Bolívar's political struggles and personal disillusionment after achieving independence for several countries. As he journeys down the Magdalena River, Bolívar reflects on his life, the burdens of leadership, and the fragmented realities of the nations he helped free. The novel blends history with rich symbolism, portraying a leader grappling with the complexities of power, legacy, and mortality in a labyrinthine world.