A review by shourya2711
Captain Pantoja and the Special Service by Mario Vargas Llosa

4.0

Llosa delicately bridges the categorical divide between the soldier and the prostitute, covering a societal spectrum from utter veneration to utter disgust. By the master of his craft, he explores the underlying humanity that connects the two disjunct professions. The arc of the novel features the transformation of the societal impression of Capt. Pantoja from a revered soldier to a scandalous pimp. Llosa allows his audience the privilege of knowing about Pantoja’s unwavering sense of duty through the process, thereby questioning the premise on which society bases morality. Pantoja’s transformation is superimposed by the ascent of Brother Francisco, a cult leader who wreaks administrative havoc for the forces by preaching violence. Pantoja’s shame keeps mounting while committing his duty skillfully while Francisco continues to gain popularity despite promoting arson. Llosa constructs his inverted moral order in a comical tone, leaving gaps in the narrative conjured by letters and official correspondence. The gaps are plugged by the reader’s imagination, allowing him/her to be a part of the setting. The work is truly recommended to anyone who is fascinated by the art of Latin American Novel.