Literary Fiction· Peru
Conversation in the Cathedral
by Mario Vargas LlosaAggregate Editorial Score42/100
ALA Notable Books
Published 1969669 pagesEnglish
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When Mario Vargas Llosa published Conversation in the Cathedral in 1969, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Over several beers in a Lima bar, two men reconstruct the corrupt, compromised lives lived under the Odría dictatorship in Peru. Vargas Llosa's towering novel is structurally among the most ambitious in Latin American fiction. Themes of Peru, dictatorship, corruption run through the work. The book has received recognition from ALA Notable Books 1969.
Book Details
About the Category
📖 Literary Fiction
Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.
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🇵🇪 Peru
This book is part of Peru's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from Peru →Editorial Assessment
First published in 1969, Mario Vargas Llosa's Conversation in the Cathedral is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with Peru, dictatorship, corruption, identity gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre.
Among its recognitions: ALA Notable Books 1969. With an editorial score of 42/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys.
What distinguishes Conversation in the Cathedral is how it handles its central concerns — Peru, dictatorship, corruption, identity — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it.
Conversation in the Cathedral reflects Mario Vargas Llosa's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Peru's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
ALA Notable Books
notable · national
196910
Mario Vargas Llosa is a celebrated author from Peru known for influential works of literary fiction.
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