Super Mario

I would not agree that "The War of the end of the World" is his most admired novel. His early novels published in Europe in the 60s made him internationally well known and acclaimed, the first novel "La ciudad y los perros" was translated in 20 languages, "La casa verde" received several prizes in the hispanic world. His symapthies for thatcherist ideas were in a way shocking and strongly criticized by former friends and allies from the left. However, his literary accomplishments should be viewed and evaluated regardless of his lifestyle or political views.

I just finished this book and I'm at a loss. It is "lite", the characters seem to have no inner lives, serious subjects, like terrorism, are tossed off and not shown. I guess it's supposed to be satire but it didn't really bite. It was totally forgettable.

I find it amazing that nobody mentions Varga Llosa's machism: https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/03/16/opinion/1521215265_029385.html

I find amazing that people still read Macho Alfa https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/03/16/opinion/1521215265_029385.html

I find it amazing that nobody mentions Vargas Llosa's racism. Dan Kravitz

Indeed, Mario Vargas Llosa is a literary treasure, especially when read in it's original language, Spanish. "Sabers and Utopias" is one of his books depicting what went on in Latin-America, with our unique problems and the difficulties for potential solutions. Well written, published this year in English, although the original is from 2009...and requiring an update, especially while Venezuela's disaster ('hambruna') is in full display, now commanded by a most abusive and incompetent Maduro. And Mario shows that part of the problem was that Chavez killed a diversified economy in a badly managed 'socialismo' dependent mainly on oil, and a vast array of supporters of the regime idle otherwise (unproductive). He also touches on Bolivia's landlocked status, and our hope to recover a route to the Pacific (Chile, by brute force and to steal Bolivia's land and minerals, seized extensive territory in 1879; currently a formal complaint in The Hague to recover a corridor to the sea; of note, Mario lived in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in his youth, no doubt contributing to his kind interest in the results). And so on, the dubious luck of the various countries, trampled by dictatorships and crooks, victimizing the 'locals' in a most grievous way. This book is worth reading, and re-reading. What is 'enchanting' is Mario's trust in a better tomorrow, if only more people get involved and contribute to their own society and become more integrated in our globalized economy.

I am glad to see mention of "The War of the End of the World" in this article. It is among my favorite novels, and better for me than the "Goat" (which is also excellent). It surprised me because it lacked (at least at the time) the literary acclaim that it deserved. It rises above the topical, and I recommend it most highly to new readers of Vargas Llosa.

I would agree that Vargas Llosa is Super Mario in the flesh. It has been a long time – too long – since the publication of "Feast of the Goat," which was a terrific and terrifying novel. Can't wait to read his latest offerings.

Vargas Llosa is a great thinker and a wonderful writer. He truly understand the contradictions and promise of Latin America. I agree with the sad quote that the continent is a "laboratory of failed illusions". Cuba and Venezuela are prime examples of dystopian societies that resulted from Utopian dreams.

As someone who has read most of the books by those authors and has lived in Latin America and speaks Spanish, it has been evident to me that the genius of the people there is to be found in the sense of family, in love affairs, and in food. It is not in economics or politics. That is not going to change anytime soon.