The War of the End of the World

Mario Vargas Llosa

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're into sprawling historical epics with a cast as big and varied as War and Peace, this is a must-read. Vargas Llosa vividly recreates a little-known episode in Brazilian history - the War of Canudos - bringing to life both the fanatics and the outcasts who dared to create their own utopia. The novel's strength lies in its complex characters, panoramic scale, and the way it delves into themes of fanaticism, power, faith, and the failures of society. If you love immersive stories where war, politics, and humanity intertwine - and don’t mind a bit of tragedy and grit - this one’s for you.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the book slow to start, a bit too long, and even overwhelming due to its huge cast and complex structure. The constant switching of points of view and timelines can be disorienting, and the sheer brutality and violence might be too much for sensitive stomachs. If you’re looking for a tight, fast-paced plot or you don’t enjoy jumping between characters (many with similar-sounding names!), this could be a slog. Also, if you’re expecting magical realism or light escapism, look elsewhere - this is dense, serious stuff.

A brilliant, haunting historical epic - gripping and unforgettable, but not for the faint of heart or anyone craving a quick, breezy read.

About:

"The War of the End of the World" by Mario Vargas Llosa is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of the War of Canudos in late 19th century Brazil. It portrays the clash between a rebellious religious cult led by a charismatic preacher and the new Republic's government, resulting in a series of wars. The novel delves into themes of fanaticism, hopelessness, good versus evil, love, and the complexities of human nature, all set against the backdrop of a remote and harsh environment in the Brazilian backlands.

The narrative is dense, complex, and graphic, with a sprawling cast of characters that include misfits, criminals, and suffering individuals who become entangled in the events surrounding the establishment of a new society in Canudos. As the story unfolds, Vargas Llosa masterfully weaves together different perspectives, portraying the political theories, plots, and reactions of various factions involved in the conflict, ultimately leading to a tragic and morally ambiguous tale of war and survival.

Characters:

The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of motivations and moral ambiguities of the conflict.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is immersive and dynamic, utilizing vivid imagery and a non-linear approach to effectively convey the complexity of the historical events.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative unfolds the story of a peasant uprising in late 19th century Brazil, driven by a charismatic leader and resulting in a brutal conflict with government forces.

Setting:

The vivid setting of late 19th century Brazil enhances the narrative, reflecting the harsh realities of the Sertao and the political changes of the time.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout the book, with a gradual build-up leading to intense action sequences, though some may find it uneven with slower sections.

The man was tall and so thin he seemed to be always in profile. He was dark-skinned and rawboned, and his eyes burned with perpetual fire. He wore shepherd’s sandals and the dark purple tunic draped o...

Notes:

The novel is based on the historical Guerra de Canudos in late 19th century Brazil, where a messianic figure known as the Counselor led a poor community against government forces.

The conflict was sparked by social upheaval, including the abolition of slavery and the establishment of a republic, which many viewed as oppressive.

The Counselor gathered followers by performing acts of faith and maintaining a utopian community that rejected money, taxes, and modern civil structures.

The Brazilian government saw the community as a threat and launched multiple military campaigns to suppress the insurrection, culminating in a bloody conflict.

The novel features a large cast of characters, including a nearsighted journalist and a Scottish revolutionary, who provide various perspectives on the events unfolding in Canudos.

The story illustrates themes of fanaticism, power struggles, and the harsh realities faced by the marginalized in society.

Llosa's narrative style shifts frequently between characters and perspectives, adding depth and complexity to the storyline.

The book highlights the intersection of religious fervor and social discontent, drawing parallels to modern upheavals.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic descriptions of violence, war atrocities, themes of genocide, and sexual violence.

From The Publisher:

'A modern tragedy on the grand scale.' Salman Rushdie

The War of the End of the World is one of the great modern historical novels. Inspired by a real episode in Brazilian history, Mario Vargas Llosa 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.

1981

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625 pages

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About the Author:

Mario Vargas-Llosa was born in Peru is 1936. He is the author of some of the last half-century's most important novels, including The War of the End of the World, The Feast of the Goat, Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter and Conversation in the Cathedral. In 2010 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

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