The author (Lima, 1939–2026) projects himself into Julius, the protagonist of a memorable novel, fundamental in the literature of the second half of the 20th century. Like Alfredo Bryce Echenique, Julius was born in the Peru of Parisian architecture, in the district of Magdalena—a world of yesterday that is obsessively recalled. The Proustian mother, the banker father, private schools, palaces, servants, the country club, nostalgia for Europe…
The rituals of this Limeño bourgeoisie/aristocracy appear as the object of analysis in an original and intelligent narrative structure. Corruption is widespread, as are hypocrisy and appearances. An outsider’s gaze on his people, sustained irony, mark the rhythm of a writing that leaves no room for innocence.