Presidents and writers laud Gabriel Garcia Marquez

It may be generations before we see another writer reach Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s stature; he was so well-known and well-loved. His novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude” became an international bestseller of previously unknown proportions. After he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1982, he rubbed shoulders with world leaders, kept writing, and, in countries all over the globe, celebrated books.

Now, with Garcia Marquez gone, his fans -- presidents, writers, and more -- have been sharing their appreciation for the man and his work. Here’s what they’re saying, on social media and elsewhere:

President Barack Obama: With the passing of Gabriel García Márquez, the world has lost one of its greatest visionary writers -- and one of my favorites from the time I was young. Affectionately known as “Gabo” to millions of his fans, he first won international recognition with his masterpiece “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” I once had the privilege to meet him in Mexico, where he presented me with an inscribed copy that I cherish to this day. As a proud Colombian, a representative and voice for the people of the Americas, and as a master of the “magic realism” genre, he has inspired so many others -- sometimes even to pick up the pen themselves. I offer my thoughts to his family and friends, whom I hope take solace in the fact that Gabo’s work will live on for generations to come.

Former President Bill Clinton: I was saddened to learn of the passing of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. From the time I read “One Hundred Years of Solitude” more than 40 years ago, I was always amazed by his unique gifts of imagination, clarity of thought and emotional honesty. He captured the pain and joy of our common humanity in settings both real and magical. I was honored to be his friend and to know his great heart and brilliant mind for more than 20 years. My thoughts are with [his wife] Mercedes and his family, and with his friends and admirers in Colombia and around the world.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos: A thousand years of solitude and sadness for the death of the greatest Colombian of all time.

Author Laila Lalami: No one wrote better about the sin of pride, the corruption of power and the redemption of love. I will miss you, Gabriel García Márquez.

Novelist Terry McMillan: You haven’t lived until you read at least one novel or short story by #GabrielGarciaMarquez. He helped open an emotional aperture.

Journalist Jon Lee Anderson: #gabriel garcia marquez #gabo #fnpi Descansa en pais, querido Gabo. Te extranaremos siempre, como a un padre. Tu legado es muy grande. [Rest in peace, dear Gabo. We’ll always miss you, as a father. Your legacy is great.]

Author Jesmyn Ward: I read “100 Years of Solitude” for the first time in high school. You know how some books break your world to remake it?

Writer Mary Carr: No! Garcia Marquez gone -- First Seamus, then my favorite novelist. Literary heartbreak.

Novelist Maile Meloy: “Love in the Time of Cholera” I read at the city pool where I was a lifeguard. It made the world seem huge & the possibilities for love deep.

Writer Edan Lepucki: Today I am remembering when Gabriel Garcia Marquez visited Book Soup and humored me while I told him in my halting Spanish how honored I was to meet him. He was really sweet and kind, and I am pretty sure super fan C. Max Magee fainted. RIP, Marquez.

ALSO:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize-winning author, dies at 87

Gabriel Garcia Marquez was more than magical realism: An appreciation

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