Memories of My Melancholy Whores

Memories of My Melancholy Whores (Spanish: Memoria de mis putas tristes) is a novella by Gabriel García Márquez. The book was originally published in Spanish in 2004, with an English translation by Edith Grossman published in October 2005. The proper translation of the title would be "memory of my sad whores." "Melancholy" is a word whose meaning is far more intricate than Spanish triste. And Spanish triste translates best to the English adjective sad.

The protagonist, who remains unnamed throughout the novel, is a solitary and introspective man who has never been in love. He seeks companionship and a sense of connection in his old age. He believes that by sleeping with a young girl, he may find the love he has been yearning for.

When he arrives at the brothel, he encounters a 14-year-old girl named Delgadina, who captures his attention. However, instead of engaging in sexual activity, he finds himself captivated by her innocence and falls asleep beside her. This act of tenderness and non-sexual intimacy becomes a recurring pattern. The narrator continues to visit Delgadina without engaging in sexual acts.

As Memories of My Melancholy Whores progresses, the narrator reflects on his life and experiences. He recalls his past relationships, failed marriages, and fleeting encounters with women. He also contemplates the passage of time and the inevitability of old age and mortality.