Die grosse Versuchung

Mario Vargas Llosa has written a late masterpiece in which he virtuously brings together the themes of his life. This sensual, powerful, and vibrant novel tells of great and even greater temptations, the seductive power of music, the boundless passion for art and the world – and the difficulty of maintaining moderation in the process.

Toño Azpilcueta leads his family and professional life with very moderate enthusiasm. His passion lies in the traditional music of his country, the Peruvian waltz, which he has meticulously studied since his youth. One day, he meets an unknown but obviously extraordinarily talented guitarist named Lalo Molfino. This encounter changes Toño's life – much to the dismay of his family – because hearing Molfino play is a revelation for him. Instantly, Toño knows what his mission is: he finally writes the book about Molfino, the Peruvian waltz, and above all, the artistic vision of a better life. It becomes a success, and Toño gains fame. So what could be more natural than to expand the book, to include his country, its history, and the whole world within it? More and more, almost manically, Toño writes, deaf to the growing concerns of his family...

"This is my last book." Mario Vargas Llosa.