Who Killed Palomino Molero?

Style and Technique

Mario Vargas Llosa's style in "Who Killed Palomino Molero?" is marked by refined simplicity and precision, with every word measured with exquisite care. The language is rich in lively dialogues, infused with the color of the Peruvian provinces, where the characters' speech conveys not only their social standing but also their inner worlds, hidden passions, and anxieties. The author masterfully employs irony and subtle satire to expose society's hypocrisy, while details of daily life and nature become an integral part of the narrative, creating the atmosphere of a sweltering, dusty village where the tragedy unfolds. Llosa's literary techniques include alternating points of view and smooth transitions between inner monologues and external events, lending the story depth and complexity. The novel's structure follows the classic detective form, where the murder investigation becomes a pretext for reflection on human nature, passion, honor, and prejudice. Llosa skillfully weaves elements of folklore, local legends, and superstitions into the narrative, giving the novel a unique authenticity and poetic quality, while concise descriptions and a tense atmosphere keep the reader in constant anticipation of the truth.