Gustave Aimard
Last of the Incas: A Romance of the Pampas
"Last of the Incas: A Romance of the Pampas" by Gustave Aimard is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the patagonian wilderness, the story follows the lives and adventures of various characters, particularly focusing on a group of gaucho scouts known as bomberos, who are dedicated to protecting a Spanish settlement from native Indian attacks. The narrative explores themes of bravery, vengeance, and the clash between European settlers and indigenous people. The opening of the novel introduces the harsh and wild landscape of Patagonia and its inhabitants. It centers on a character named Pedrito, a young gaucho, who is trying to navigate the treacherous environment, where he encounters his fellow bomberos. They share news of imminent threats from the indigenous Aucas, igniting their desire for revenge against those who have wronged them. The narrative quickly captures the tension building as the bomberos prepare to confront an Indian meeting at the sacred Tree of Gualichu, highlighting the complex relationships between characters while foreshadowing the conflicts to come.