I, The Supreme

I, the Supreme (Spanish: Yo, el supremo) is a 1974 novel by Paraguayan author Augusto Roa Bastos. The novel is based on the life of José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, a dictator who ruled Paraguay in the 19th century.1

Roa Bastos's work is known for its experimental style and exploration of themes such as power, history, and the nature of truth. I, the Supreme is considered a landmark of Latin American literature, often categorized within the "magic realism" movement, which blends realistic settings with fantastical elements. The novel delves into Paraguayan history, examining the complexities of dictatorship and its impact on society.12