The Time of the Hero

WINNER OF THE NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE

One of the Telegraph's 'Ten Best Latin American Novels of all Time'


The Time of the Hero has been acclaimed by critics around the world as one of the outstanding Spanish novels of recent decades. In the author's native Peru, this powerful social satire so outraged the authorities that a thousand copies were publicly burned.


The novel is set in Leoncio Prado Military Academy in Lima, where a group of cadets attempt to break out of the vicious round of sadistic ragging, military discipline, confinement and boredom. But their pranks set off a cycle of betrayal, murder and revenge which jeopardizes the entire military hierarchy.


'A modern subversive classic.' Guardian

'A work of undeniable power and skill.' Sunday Telegraph