The Neighborhood

Author: Mario Vargas Llosa

This is a whodunit thriller set in 1990s Lima during the regime of Alberto Fujimori. The story revolves around two wealthy men and their wives. I don’t want to reveal any of the storyline as it will ruin your enjoyment of the book. 

Suffice it to say that the book is filled with erotic tension, murder mystery, political intrigue and social commentary. Mario Vargas skillfully interplays the opulent lives of the twoelite couples with the struggles of Peru’s poorer socio-economic masses. 

I love Mario Vargas' writing style and found myself eagerly turning the pages to discover what happens next. The book was panned for its “third-rate erotica” and critics said that the murder mystery lacks much depth and sophistication. I found it quite engaging and a good way to pass the time while I was flying into Lima Peru.