46 pages • 1 hour read
The Old Man Who Read Love Stories
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
144
Novel • Fiction
Ecuadorian Jungle • Mid 20th century
1988
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Old Man Who Read Love Stories by Luis Sepúlveda depicts Antonio José Bolívar Proaño, an elderly man living in the isolated Ecuadoran rainforest village of El Idilio, witnessing the ecological and cultural impact of outsiders like hunters and prospectors. Guided by his respect for the rainforest and its inhabitants, Antonio's life intertwines with the Shuar Indians as he contends with the destruction caused by the invaders.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
26,715 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Luis Sepulveda's The Old Man Who Read Love Stories is widely praised for its vivid portrayal of the Amazon rainforest and its captivating, lyrical prose. Critics commend the novel for its poignant exploration of solitude and the human connection to nature. Some mention that its brevity leaves certain character developments wanting. Overall, a compelling read.
Who Should Read The Old Man Who Read Love Stories?
Readers who enjoy contemplative tales set in lush, natural environments will appreciate The Old Man Who Read Love Stories. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's Love in the Time of Cholera or Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits will find Sepulveda's lyrical storytelling and emotional depth appealing.
26,715 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
144
Novel • Fiction
Ecuadorian Jungle • Mid 20th century
1988
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.