Death In The Andes
276
Novel • Fiction
Peru • 1980s
1993
Adult
18+ years
Death in the Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa follows Corporal Lituma and his assistant Tomas Carreno, who investigate the disappearance of three men in the rural Andean town of Naccos. Initially suspecting Maoist insurgents from the Shining Path, their probe uncovers deeper, more sinister elements intertwined with ancient South American myths and spiritual beliefs, reflecting the tension between modernity and traditional life. The story includes instances of violence and xenophobia.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Gritty
Challenging
9,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Death In The Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa masterfully intertwines political turmoil with mystical realism. Critics praise its haunting atmosphere and complex exploration of violence and culture in Peru. However, some readers find the narrative pacing uneven and the multiple plotlines confusing. Despite these critiques, Llosa's prose remains compelling and thought-provoking.
A reader who enjoys Death In The Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa likely appreciates compelling narratives rich with political tension, mystical elements, and profound psychological insight. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or William Faulkner’s Light in August may find this book particularly engaging.
9,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Death In The Andes combines mystery, folklore, and political themes, reflecting Mario Vargas Llosa's interest in Peru's culture and the impact of the Shining Path insurgency.
The novel's setting in the remote Andes Mountains highlights Vargas Llosa's skill in vividly depicting landscape as a character, emphasizing its thematic importance to the story.
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Vargas Llosa drew on elements of magical realism, a style commonly associated with Latin American literature, blending reality and mythology within the narrative.
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276
Novel • Fiction
Peru • 1980s
1993
Adult
18+ years
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