Often appearing on “greatest novel” lists, One Hundred Years of Solitude plays out in the mythical town of Macondo in Colombia, during a stormy period in Latin American history. The saga circles around seven generations of the Buendía family who inhabit the colorful, violent, and often mysterious period from the 1820s to 1920s, the century in which Macondo is built by the Buendía patriarch and ultimately destroyed by a hurricane. A desire for solitude versus a need for love is a key conflict animating this masterpiece of magical realism.

The discussion leader for this five-week Big Books class is Holly Marihugh, a professional discussion leader who has guided library patrons through Bleak House and War and Peace. Registration is required. Glencoe residents will get priority if the class fills up. Registration will open September 1; visit the library’s website or call to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library.