This was an interesting book. When I was choosing which books to read, the synopsis of this one seemed intriguing and it ended up being exactly that. The way the book was written was quite interesting, the comedic dialogue had an underlying layer of seriousness that made the overall book, satirical.

The character of Pantoja was so different and interesting to me, he isn’t like any character I’ve ever read. I found it so funny and ironic how at the start of the novel he wanted to uphold his principles and not take part in something he found to be ethically wrong. Yet, as time progressed he ended up becoming so committed to the job, like he sent out formal questionnaires to the soldiers to know who wanted the “service”. He took his role so seriously, that he even ended up taking part in the service by getting involved with Olga. Pantoja’s character was like those in movies and TV shows who don’t want to get involved in something, and then when they do, they’re too involved. It kind of reminded me of Narcos and the character Javier Peña, who in season 2 doesn’t want to get involved with the Cali Cartel but ends up working with them, and gets in too deep.

Furthermore, the whole concept and plot of the novel is interesting. Like the entire purpose of the Special Service is to satisfy the sexual desire of men, at a regularly appointed time. Just thinking about that is so humours. This desire that men, particularly the army men, have is kind of seen as a “weakness” that needs to be fulfilled in order for them to do their job correctly. I dunno, writing about this makes me laugh. I’m thinking about how I have a regular skin care routine that I need to do, to stop my acne from growing and for the army men they have this regular service that is supposed to stop there desire from growing. Moreover, it is interesting how this bureaucratic system was meant to control the desires of the men, but instead it ends up growing because of special “project” becomes popular.

Overall, this book was an interesting read and if it wasn’t so long I would read it again. I’m curious about the Llosa’s other works and might do a bit of research to see what other books he has written.

Question to think about: In the start Pantoja rejects carrying out the special project, and then ironically, he ends up taking part in it himself. Why do you think the author chose to have his character end up like that? Did having Pantoja give up his principles add something more to the overall story?