A review by msgtdameron
Conversation in the Cathedral by Mario Vargas Llosa

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The first part, 150 odd pages, is real hard stylistically.  There are two conversations going on with four people involved between the two.  each paragraph and sometimes sentences have a different speaker.  This makes pages 40 through 190 a tough read.  But around 190 the style becomes easier.  Sections of dialogue are now done as sections.  Complete thoughts or scenes done in each section.  After page 200 the work is a fairly normal work.  The subject is 1950 - 57'ish Peru.   The revolution that happened and various characters who helped the dictatorship, communists, social democrats, agriculture party and those just trying to stay out of trouble.  The cast includes strong men and their henchmen, prostitutes, communists, labor leaders, security chiefs, and our hero Santiago who doesn't know what he is or who he is.  By the end he does know what he is not.  But by then we have murder, gay sex both male and female, abortions, rape, and enough fights to keep any one happy with the violence level.  Remember Llosa does write about South America in the 50's and 60's so with any world history knowledge you should know the times were violent.  Great read overall.