The Talent Scout Author:Romain Gary The Talent Scout of the novel is a young Indian, Jose Almayo, whose people have for centuries been oppressed and kept in superstitious ignorance. In his own words, "If you are born an Indian, you have got to have talent. You have to be a bullfighter, or a prize fighter, or a great bandit. Otherwise, you just rot. They don't give you a chance... more ». To get the "talent", Almayo tries to strike a bargain with the devil, and in the process, becomes dictator of his country. The people of his country are both primitive and depraved - corrupt politicos trafficking in unimaginable vice; degenerate Indians who have learned superstition and defeat from the Conquistadors and resignation from the priests. But the final achievement always eludes him, and although he surpasses himself in evil, there is no sign that he has attracted the attention of the legendary scout for new and willing human souls.« less