The Feast of the Goat

"The Feast of the Goat" is a novel by Dominican-American author Mario Vargas Llosa, published in 2000. It explores the oppressive regime of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic during the early 1960s. The story intertwines the lives of various characters as they navigate fear, betrayal, and the effects of totalitarian control. The title refers to a traditional ritual in which a goat is sacrificed, symbolizing the violent and brutal nature of Trujillo's dictatorship. Through its narrative, the novel examines themes of power, corruption, and the impact of tyranny on individuals and society.