Plot Summary

In Evil Hour

Gabriel García Márquez
Guide cover placeholder

In Evil Hour

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1962

Book Brief

Gabriel García Márquez

In Evil Hour

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1962
Book Details
Pages

183

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Colombia • 1950s

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Evil Hour by Gabriel García Márquez, set in a nameless village on the Caribbean coast of Colombia during the 1950s' La Violencia period, depicts the descent of a town from tense peace into chaos as anonymous satirical notices exposing secrets instigate turmoil, leading to martial law, violence, and heightened authoritarian control. The story includes instances of summary execution and public shaming through gossip.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

10,474 ratings

47%

Loved it

38%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

In In Evil Hour by Gabriel García Márquez, reviewers appreciated the novel's vivid depiction of a town gripped by rumor and tension, showcasing Márquez's narrative skill. However, some found the plot less captivating compared to his later works. The book's intricate portrayal of societal decay received praise, though its pacing drew mixed reactions.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In Evil Hour?

A reader enthralled by Gabriel García Márquez's In Evil Hour is likely drawn to intricate political allegory, magical realism, and profound insight into human nature. Fans of One Hundred Years of Solitude or Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits will appreciate its nuanced, layered narrative and richly developed characters.

3.9

10,474 ratings

47%

Loved it

38%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

183

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Colombia • 1950s

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!