Diogénes Alejandro Xenos, el protagonista de esta novela, quedó marcado desde su niñez por la muerte de su familia a manos de los bandoleros de Corteguy, país inaginario de América del Sur. Con el tiempo, Diógenes Alejandro se convierte en un playboy internacional, en un misterioso aventurero cosmopolita. Xenos llega a introducirse en las altas esferas de Hollywood, así como en el complejo mundo de las poderosas multinacionales, lo cual le lleva a vivir situaciones en grado sumo excitantes y a tratar con mujeres de singular hermosura.

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It is a very long book, with a very large scope. It details, through the life of its protagonist, the history of a revolution in a fictional South American country from the pre World War 2 era to the fifties. The rapes, murders and violence are presented in graphic details, as are the numerous sexual escapades of the major characters. While the story, with all its complex plotlines, is very engaging, the sex seems to overpower the more important aspects of it. There are a lot of colourful characters that are well developed, and the writing is entertaining. It is an enjoyable read for those who know what to expect from Mr. Robbins. ( )

"The Adventurers" starts dramatically with a Prologue, which is also the Epilogue. It is a scene of a funeral at which one lone mourner attends. No names are mentioned, the deceased and participant’s identity are not revealed, creating suspense that lasts throughout the entire epic drama.

Then the story drops back in time to the mid 20th century on a remote fictional South American country, Corteguay. Corteguay is in the midst of a revolution. Surrounded by violence and total chaos 8 year old Dax Xenos watches his mother and sister get raped and murdered. Welcome to Corteguay.

Thus is the beginning of this epic drama. The plot moves rapidly through several decades from one character to another: Dax, his various friends, politicians including the autocratic despot president, business tycoons, and a lot of women. In Harold Robbins estimation there is no such thing as a faithful spouse - characters hop from bed to bed for whatever suits their immediate needs or financial ambitions.

If you can get past all the excessive decadent, sex scenes there is a powerful message presented in this novel - the destruction and hardship brought on by the dictatorship government and the Communist “Bandoleros” in guerrilla warfare.

"The Adventurers" begins with good, strong character development, but about half way through this 784 drama, there is so much happening that intertwines the various characters, and large chunks of time are skipped over, jumping from the third world Corteguay, to the USA to Paris and London. The plot gets repetitive to the point of absurdity - with the reoccurring themes of money, power, greed, corruption - and sex.

Cleverly the 6 sections of the novel are titled: Violence and Power, Power and Money, Money and Marriage, Marriage and Fashion, Fashion and Politics, and Politics and Violence. I imagine it it had continued to a section 7 it would have gone full circle back to Violence and Power.

It is an entertaining read, but be warned. Harold Robbins wrote his novels prior to the “political correctness” of todays expected standards. He tells it as he imagines it - no filters.

Rated 3 Stars June 2021 ( )