On Heroes and Tombs

The novel On Heroes and Tombs by Argentine writer Ernesto Sábato is considered one of the most important works of 20th-century Latin American literature. It is a multilayered narrative about love, madness, and the search for identity against the backdrop of political and social turmoil in Argentina. The book explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and national consciousness through the stories of several characters whose destinies intertwine in Buenos Aires. The plot centers on the relationship between the young Martín and the enigmatic Alejandra—a story that unfolds parallel to the narrative about the hero of Argentine history, General Lavalle. The novel is characterized by a complex structure, philosophical depth, and psychological insight, making it a significant work of world literature.