The Time of the Hero

"The Time of the Hero" is a novel by Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa, published in 1963. Set in a military academy in Lima, it explores themes of honor, corruption, and the loss of innocence through the experiences of cadets training to become officers. The story delves into their struggles with authority, betrayal, and the harsh realities of military life, reflecting broader societal issues in Peru. Llosa's narrative intertwines personal and political conflicts, ultimately questioning traditional notions of heroism and the moral implications of ambition in a rigidly structured environment.