It was inevitable: the scent of bitter almonds always reminded him of the fate of unrequited loves.

When the young Fermina Daza rejects the passionate proposals of Florentino Ariza and marries Dr. Juvenal Urbino, the incurably romantic Florentino seeks solace in the arms of many other women, but none can replace Fermina in his heart. Faithful to his vow to love her forever, he lives for the day she will be freed from her bonds. When, half a century later, Fermina's husband is killed trying to retrieve his parrot from a mango tree, Florentino seizes the opportunity to declare his eternal love. But can their youthful love be rekindled in the twilight of their lives?