The Jaguar of Paraguay

About the Book

The hero of this novel is Alfredo, a Jesuit brother whom his Guaraní friends call “Jaguar”. During the 18th century the Jesuits tried to establish an ideal society among the Indians of Paraguay. Their thirty missions flourished until 1768, when the Order was expelled from all Spanish colonies. We see the daily life at one of these missions – primarily from the Guaraní perspective -- and follow Alfredo’s amorous adventures. We are part of the Guaraní’s side in the political intrigues and armed conflicts of the missions’ last twenty years. In the end, Alfredo decides to leave the Order and join his friends when they return to their forests near the Alto Paraná.

About the Author

John Kunkel grew up in Southern California and attended Pomona College. After graduate study at the University of Michigan he taught social psychology at three universities. During this time he became interested in the Jesuits’ famous attempt to create an ideal society among the Guaraní Indians of Paraguay. He visited the area twice and experienced the country on extensive local bus trips. After his retirement John Kunkel moved to San Diego, where he continues to pursue his interests in South American history and culture.