The Discreet Hero

Mario Vargas Llosa

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

Mario Vargas Llosa

The Discreet Hero

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013

Book Details

Pages

200

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Peru • 1940s-50s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Super Short Summary

The Discreet Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa intertwines the lives of two Peruvian businessmen, Felicito Yanaque and Don Rigoberto, who confront personal challenges and threats to their livelihoods amidst Peru's economic growth. The novel explores themes of familial loyalty, greed, and the effects of wealth, ultimately bringing the characters' parallel stories to an unexpected intersection. Issues such as extortion, relational conflicts, and economic disparity are addressed.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Emotional

Inspirational

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Mario Vargas Llosa's The Discreet Hero has been positively received for its intricate plot and well-drawn characters, blending humor and drama effectively. However, some critics felt the narrative pace was uneven, and certain subplots felt underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of morality and ambition, showcasing Llosa's storytelling prowess.

Who Should Read The Discreet Hero?

A reader who enjoys The Discreet Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa would appreciate complex narratives intertwining personal and societal issues, much like in Garcia Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits. This book is ideal for those who savor Latin American culture, moral dilemmas, and literary sophistication.

Fun Facts

The Discreet Hero showcases Mario Vargas Llosa's unique narrative structure, featuring interconnected stories set in the Peruvian cities of Piura and Lima.

The novel explores themes of loyalty, entrepreneurial spirit, and social transformation, reflecting Vargas Llosa's keen interest in the socio-political landscape of Peru.

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Mario Vargas Llosa, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010, continues his tradition of examining moral and ethical questions within complex societal contexts in The Discreet Hero.