The Discreet Hero

Brief Overview

In the novel «The Discreet Hero», Mario Vargas Llosa weaves together two parallel stories set in contemporary Peru. The first follows Felícito Yanaqué, a modest owner of a small transport company in Piura, who becomes the target of extortion. Despite fear and pressure, he bravely refuses to give in to the criminals, showing rare courage and loyalty to his principles. The second storyline centers on Ismael Carrera, an elderly and wealthy businessman from Lima, who, after being betrayed by his own sons, decides to change his fate and unexpectedly marries his loyal assistant. Against the backdrop of vibrant Peruvian landscapes and colorful characters, the author explores themes of dignity, honor, and inner freedom, showing how even the most ordinary people are capable of heroic acts that transform not only their own lives but also the world around them.