Enrique Medina's 'The Duke' seems to harken back into Argenitine history to the time just before the military coup that overthrew the short lived regime of Isabel Martinez Peron. Manipulated by the sinister Jose Lopez Rega--Peron's government not only set loose but enabled right wing vigilante death squads organized by Lopez Rega himself--allowing them to wreak havoc on their opponents on the left more or less giving these vigilantes get out of jail free cards. They called them The Triple A--though not anything like the organization that provides road service throughout the USA.

In any case the Duke is an ex-professional boxer of some renown turned thug--part of a team led by one Sorel who murder, rape and steal without compunction and FWIW the graphic violence including sexual violence that this book portrays may keep some awake at night. Celine is one of Medina's influences and this novella is as hard and harsh as anything you'll find by the author of Journey to the end of the night. It's not for the squeamish. It seems to me though that Medina is attempting to say something about his country--at least as it was during those times and say it in as honest and brutal a way as he can.

As it happens what follows this period in Argentine history was even worse--much worse in fact. And this book was banned in Medina's own country. The military dictatorship did not correct the evils of Isabel Peron's government--they simply followed the model set by Pinochet in Chile. One thing set the stage for another. It is in this respect that I think this book is worthwhile reading. I know most people here in the USA do not believe something like these tragic times in Argentina could happen here but human ambition and greed tells at least your humble reviewer otherwise. ( )