Menton argues persuasively that the proximity of the Columbus Quincentennial triggered the rise of the New Historical Novel. After defining the historical novel in general, he identifies the distinguishing features of the Historical Novel. Individual chapters delve deeply into such major works as Mario Vargas Llosa's Abel Posse's Gabriel García Márquez's , and Carlos Fuentes' A chapter on the Jewish Latin American novel focuses on several works that deserve greater recognition, such as Pedro Orgambide's Moacyr Scliar's and Angelina Muñiz's