The War of the End of the World

£8.99

Mario Vargas Llosa's The War of the End of the World is one of the great modern historical novels- tragic, compelling and incredible to read. Inspired by a real episode in Brazilian history, the author tells the story of an apocalyptic movement, led by a mysterious prophet, in which prostitutes, beggars and bandits establish Canudos, a new republic, a libertarian paradise.

Originally published in 1981, the narrative takes its cue from the War of Canudos, an incident in nineteenth century Brazil in which an armed millenarian cult held off a siege by the national army for a number of months. As with some of his later works, Llosa interweaves the lives and actions of a great tapestry of different characters to paint a sociological view of Brazil at the time, giving an incredible sense of place and presence to the events taking place. This is an awesome, truly memorable read.