"Intellectual, ethical, and artistic, all at once and brilliantly so." –The New York Times Book Review
"Brilliant . . . A whole culture is contained within these dreamy narratives." –
Raymond Sokolov, The Wall Street Journal "Engrossing, engaging and thought-provoking . . . An intricate weaving of political commentary and narrative style." –
Minneapolis Star-Tribune "A fascinating tale . . . with enormous skill and formal grace, Vargas Llosa weaves through the mystery surrounding the fate of Saul Zuratas." –
Time "It is in the chapters narrated by the storyteller that the novel comes wonderfully alive, transporting the reader to a world where men hang suspended in a delicate web of cosmic relationships." –
Mark Dery, The Philadelphia Enquirer