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Historical Fiction· Paraguay

I, the Supreme

by Augusto Roa Bastos
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1974Spanish
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About This Book

When Augusto Roa Bastos published I, the Supreme in 1974, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of historical fiction. I, the Supreme is a landmark novel by Augusto Roa Bastos, offering a fictionalized account of the life of the Paraguayan dictator José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia. The book is renowned for its complex narrative structure and its exploration of power, tyranny, and the nature of history. It is considered one of the most important works of Latin American literature and a profound critique of authoritarianism. Themes of power and tyranny, historical narrative, identity run through the work. The book has received recognition from Miguel de Cervantes Prize 1989.

Book Details

AuthorAugusto Roa Bastos
Published1974
Country of Origin🇵🇾 Paraguay
LanguageSpanish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780292704258
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇵🇾 Paraguay

This book is part of Paraguay's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Paraguay →

Editorial Assessment

In 'I, the Supreme,' Augusto Roa Bastos masterfully intertwines the complexities of power, identity, and tyranny through the voice of the Paraguayan dictator, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia. This innovative narrative blurs the lines between historical fact and fiction, illuminating the oppressive nature of absolute authority while exploring the struggles of individuality within a repressive regime. Roa Bastos’s profound exploration of solitude and the human condition resonates deeply, establishing the novel as a significant work in Latin American literature.
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

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
Augusto Roa Bastos
Paraguay
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Augusto Roa Bastos is a Paraguay author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is I, the Supreme about?

I, the Supreme is a landmark novel by Augusto Roa Bastos, offering a fictionalized account of the life of the Paraguayan dictator José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia. The book is renowned for its complex narrative structure and its exploration of power, tyranny, and the nature of history. It is considered one of the most important works of Latin American literature and a profound critique of authoritarianism.

Who wrote I, the Supreme?

I, the Supreme was written by Augusto Roa Bastos, from Paraguay. First published in 1974.

What awards has I, the Supreme won?

I, the Supreme has received the following recognition: Miguel de Cervantes Prize 1989.

Is I, the Supreme worth reading?

I, the Supreme is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in power and tyranny, historical narrative, identity.

Where can I buy I, the Supreme?

You can buy I, the Supreme on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is I, the Supreme?

I, the Supreme is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is I, the Supreme from?

I, the Supreme originates from Paraguay's literary tradition. Explore more books from Paraguay on our country page.

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