The Time of the Hero
Book Review
«The Time of the Hero» by Mario Vargas Llosa is a novel in which the harsh reality of Lima’s military school becomes a microcosm of Peruvian society, where violence, fear, and the thirst for freedom collide. The author masterfully exposes the psychology of adolescents trapped in an authoritarian system, where friendship and betrayal, honor and hypocrisy are tightly interwoven. Critics note the expressive language, the polyphony of the narrative, and the deep psychological insight that allows the reader to penetrate the innermost corners of the characters’ souls. Llosa not only denounces the cruelty and hypocrisy of the institution but also creates a complex portrait of a society where everyone is forced to choose between personal truth and collective lies. The novel impresses with its honesty, drama, and artistic power, becoming one of the most important works of twentieth-century Latin American literature.
