Reviewed
It's a love song and a farewell to Peru, where the author was born; throughout his life, he lived in the capital city of Lima, in London, and in Spain. The novel follows the life of Tono Alpizqueta, a fictional character who is an expert on the Peruvian vals/waltz, a guitar music born in the early 20th Century in the streets of Peru, which became popular among all social classes throughout the country.
Tono hoped that the music would break the barriers of race and class in Peru and would cause all Peruvians to feel as one. This may not have happened, but it was a lofty and very optimistic, if an unrealistic and perhaps simplistic view held by Tono of the complexities of discrimination and the lasting effects of past Spanish colonialism in that country.
Tono followed the sad and tragic life of Peru's greatest guitarist, Lalo Molfino, who took his life at a young age.
Vargas Llosa's novel is moving as he pays tribute to the Peruvian waltz and the people of the streets who first created and developed it. His love of his people and his culture is evident in his final story of the people of Peru.
Thanks to the publisher, FS&G, and NetGalley for an advance reading of this book.
Currently reading
Hidden in Memories by Viveca Sten, translated from the Swedish; Nov. 18, 2025; Amazon Crossing, NetGalley
The slaying of a hotel developer in the Swedish mountains casts a shadow over a blissful vacation paradise in a chilling novel of suspense by the acclaimed author of Hidden in Shadows. See my goodreads review.
One of my favorite mystery and thriller writers, Viveca Sten has written the third in the Are murder series.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to this week?
