39 pages • 1 hour read
The Tattooed Soldier
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Tattooed Soldier by Héctor Tobar follows the intertwined lives of two Guatemalan immigrants in Los Angeles: Antonio Bernal, who is homeless after being unable to pay rent, and Guillermo Longoria, the soldier responsible for killing Antonio's family during Guatemala's violent political period. Antonio, discovering Longoria in LA, becomes obsessed with seeking revenge, with the novel exploring themes such as identity, immigration, and social justice against the backdrop of the impending LA riots. The novel contains sensitive topics, including violence, homelessness, and trauma from military and political repression.
Gritty
Dark
Melancholic
Suspenseful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,736 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Héctor Tobar's The Tattooed Soldier is praised for its gripping narrative, insightful exploration of trauma, and vivid portrayal of immigrant life in Los Angeles. Critics commend Tobar's ability to intertwine personal and political histories. However, some find the pacing uneven and the secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's a compelling read on revenge and redemption.
Who Should Read The Tattooed Soldier?
Readers who appreciate socially-conscious, multicultural narratives, such as in Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street and Junot Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, will be engrossed by Héctor Tobar's The Tattooed Soldier. This novel offers a gripping exploration of immigration, trauma, and redemption in a gritty, urban setting.
1,736 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Guillermo Longoria
Guillermo Longoria
Longoria is a former Guatemalan soldier in Los Angeles, working as a bodyguard. He has a violent past and is responsible for the deaths of Antonio’s family.
Elena Bernal
Elena Bernal
Elena, Antonio’s wife and mother of their son, is passionate about social reform and is killed due to her activism in Guatemala.
José Juan Grijalva
José Juan Grijalva
José Juan is Antonio’s best friend, a cheerful and industrious Mexican immigrant who helps Antonio by offering him a place to stay.
The Mayor
The Mayor
The Mayor is a well-known white homeless man in Los Angeles who advocates for the rights of the homeless and resists city policies.
Frank
Frank
Frank is an African American homeless man and friend of Antonio, who provides advice and assistance in Antonio’s quest for justice.
320
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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