Description

A chilling allegorical novella by the masterful Colombian writer who poses timeless questions about violence and subjugation, power and freedom.

Imagining the darkest of power imbalances in a dystopian world, in which the most vulnerable are held captive and wherein survival depends on the ability to remain anonymous, identity is a threat. Those who have everything would revel in the humiliation of others and identification brings with it the ultimate punishment. When hiding is no longer possible, the only choice may be to rebel.

More frightening than the dystopia of Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go and with elements of the surreal to rival Kafka’s Metamorphosis, Rosero’s hypnotic tale builds in tension to deliver a crippling emotional punch.

Publisher Review

PRAISE FOR THE ARMIES: 'This quietly devastating novel speaks gently but strikes deep ... Perfectly pitched and paced, Anne McLean's English version does it due honour' Independent. 'An important and powerful book' Janine di Giovanni, The Times. 'A timeless epic' * El Pais *