71 pages • 2 hours read
The Feast of the Goat
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Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Dominican Republic • 1960s
2000
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa chronicles the final days of Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship over the Dominican Republic from the perspectives of his assassins in 1961, Trujillo himself on his last day, and Urania Cabral in the 1990s, who returns home after years abroad and reflects on her family's complicity in the regime's horrors and struggles with reconciling her traumatic past. The novel contains sensitive topics including sexual violence and dictatorship atrocities.
Dark
Mysterious
Gritty
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
39,143 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa is lauded for its riveting portrayal of Trujillo's dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Critics praise Vargas Llosa's intricate narrative and historical depth. However, some find the graphic depictions of violence unsettling. Overall, it's a compelling exploration of power and corruption under a brutal regime.
Who Should Read The Feast of the Goat?
Readers who enjoy historical political dramas with complex characters and intense narratives will find The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa captivating. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's The Autumn of the Patriarch or Isabel Allende's In the Midst of Winter will appreciate its rich storytelling and exploration of power and corruption.
39,143 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Senator Agustín Cabral
Senator Agustín Cabral
Urania's father, a disgraced fictional high-ranking Trujillo government official, known for his loyalty to Trujillo. His actions and persona are largely revealed through other characters' perspectives.
The Cabral Family
The Cabral Family
The fictional family of Urania Cabral, who remain in the Dominican Republic. They struggle to understand Urania's decision to cut ties with them.
Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Modina
Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Modina
The real historical figure who ruled the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961. Known as a demanding dictator, he prioritized loyalty and strength, facing both political and personal challenges.
Colonel Johnny Abbes García
Colonel Johnny Abbes García
The head of Trujillo's secret police, known for his ruthlessness. He was a key figure in Trujillo’s regime before receiving a “golden exile.”
Senator Henry Chirinos
Senator Henry Chirinos
A fictional character based on a real-life figure, known for his intelligence and political savvy. He was a close but competitive associate of Agustín Cabral.
President Joaquín Balaguer
President Joaquín Balaguer
A real historical figure, Trujillo’s puppet president, known for his quiet intelligence and strategic navigation through political changes.
Manuel Alfonso
Manuel Alfonso
A fictional ambassador for the Dominican Republic and a trusted friend of Trujillo. He advises Trujillo on lifestyle matters.
The Assassins
The Assassins
A group of individuals involved in the plot to assassinate Trujillo, each with their own motivations and connections to Trujillo’s regime. They face varying fates after their involvement in the assassination.
416
Novel • Fiction
Dominican Republic • 1960s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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