GARCÍA MARQUEZ, GABRIEL
In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry as wealthy, well- born doctor, Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs- yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty- one years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again.