The War of the End of the World is one of the great modern historical novels. Inspired by a real episode in Brazilian history Mario Vargas Llosa tells the story of an apocalyptic movement led by a mysterious prophet in which prostitutes beggars and bandits establish Canudos a new republic a libertarian paradise. A bold work of force and power a tragic masterpiece with something of the sweep and freedom of the great novels of the nineteenth century. Listener A vast fantastic ... Thunderous novel. The Times