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Las aventuras de Juan Planchard #1
Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard
Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard nos invita a conocer, desde sus entrañas, lo más sexy y emocionante de la primera gran revolución socialista del siglo veintiuno. Una revolución intensa, sensorial; cuya base es el dinero excesivo que produce el petróleo, en la que todo el mundo tiene su precio en dólares. Juan Planchard es el hijo de una era de cómplices; el antihéroe necesario de una cultura que se devoró a sí misma por su ambición de tener más. Aventura, suspenso, drama, comedia. Todos los géneros parecen convergir en esta historia trepidante y sorprendente, con un final completamente inesperado que promete una saga literaria de varias entregas. Provocativa y provocadora, Las aventuras de Juan Planchard es un texto necesario que moverá conciencias y entretendrá a todos aquellos que se atrevan a bucear en sus páginas. Jonathan Jakubowicz nació en Caracas, Venezuela. Cineasta de profesión, formado en la Escuela de Comunicación Social de la Universidad Central de Venezuela y en la New York Film Academy. Escribió y dirigió Secuestro Express, la primera película venezolana en ser distribuida a nivel mundial por un estudio de Hollywood, y la cinta más taquillera de la historia del país. Su segunda película, Hands of Stone (Manos de Piedra), conquistó a las audiencias del Festival de Cannes junto a Robert De Niro y Edgar Ramírez. Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard es su primera novela.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2016
About the author
Jonathan Jakubowicz
3 books66 followersJonathan Jakubowicz is Venezuela's most celebrated filmmaker and writer, whose film Secuestro Express was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the British Independent Film Awards and was a New York Times "Critics' Pick" in 2005. He is Jewish of Polish descent.
Secuestro Express became the nation's biggest box office hit of all time, which enraged then President Hugo Chavez, whose government opened two trials against Jakubowicz, who was forced to leave Venezuela.
Jakubowicz latest film, Hands of Stone (2016), is about the relationship between Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán (played by Édgar Ramírez) and his trainer Ray Arcel (played by Robert De Niro). Hands of Stone premiered in the Cannes Film Festival 2016 and was warmly received with a 15 minutes standing ovation. It's the first Latin movie to have a simultaneous wide release in all of Latin America.
Hands of Stone also landed Jakubowicz in political controversy when it was invited and then pulled from the official selection of the Havana Film Festival after Jakubowicz made comments denouncing censorship for Cuban filmmakers in the Island.
In November 2016 Jakubowicz published his first novel "Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard" and it immediately became a best seller in the Spanish Language market.
Secuestro Express became the nation's biggest box office hit of all time, which enraged then President Hugo Chavez, whose government opened two trials against Jakubowicz, who was forced to leave Venezuela.
Jakubowicz latest film, Hands of Stone (2016), is about the relationship between Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán (played by Édgar Ramírez) and his trainer Ray Arcel (played by Robert De Niro). Hands of Stone premiered in the Cannes Film Festival 2016 and was warmly received with a 15 minutes standing ovation. It's the first Latin movie to have a simultaneous wide release in all of Latin America.
Hands of Stone also landed Jakubowicz in political controversy when it was invited and then pulled from the official selection of the Havana Film Festival after Jakubowicz made comments denouncing censorship for Cuban filmmakers in the Island.
In November 2016 Jakubowicz published his first novel "Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard" and it immediately became a best seller in the Spanish Language market.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
August 12, 2018
4 horas me tomó terminar esta obra de Jonathan Jakubowicz. Una novela con una mezcla de investigación histórica, crónica y un toque cinematográfico que no deberían dejar pasar.
A través de los ojos de Juan Planchard un personaje ficticio pero que bien podría ser un real "bolichico", se describen sin tapujos y en lenguaje coloquial caraqueño, los detalles de la vida de una élite chavista, chanchullera y enchufada que con pocos escrúpulos y mucha labia supo multiplicar los billetes verdes a niveles incalculables para los mortales como yo, aprovechando el control cambiario establecido por el "que no deber ser nombrado".
Lujos, guisos, negocios sucios, muerte, drogas, sexo, todos los componentes necesarios que le han dado vida a esta "revolución" histórica (que muchos quisiéramos olvidar algún día), se mezclan claramente en las insólitas y descabelladas aventuras de Juan. Una narración cruda que disfrazada de ficción nos enfrenta con la dolorosa realidad venezolana y nos hace testigos del robo mas grande la historia de nuestro país.
A muchos les parecerá loco e imposible lo que vive el protagonista, pero los venezolanos sabemos que de ese cuento a la realidad no hay nada.
A través de los ojos de Juan Planchard un personaje ficticio pero que bien podría ser un real "bolichico", se describen sin tapujos y en lenguaje coloquial caraqueño, los detalles de la vida de una élite chavista, chanchullera y enchufada que con pocos escrúpulos y mucha labia supo multiplicar los billetes verdes a niveles incalculables para los mortales como yo, aprovechando el control cambiario establecido por el "que no deber ser nombrado".
Lujos, guisos, negocios sucios, muerte, drogas, sexo, todos los componentes necesarios que le han dado vida a esta "revolución" histórica (que muchos quisiéramos olvidar algún día), se mezclan claramente en las insólitas y descabelladas aventuras de Juan. Una narración cruda que disfrazada de ficción nos enfrenta con la dolorosa realidad venezolana y nos hace testigos del robo mas grande la historia de nuestro país.
A muchos les parecerá loco e imposible lo que vive el protagonista, pero los venezolanos sabemos que de ese cuento a la realidad no hay nada.
March 9, 2017
El libro es un page turner. No precisamente por su valor literario, si no porque la trama es insólita. Pareciera que el autor exagerara los hechos, sin embargo, no me cabe la menor duda de que la vida de un “boli-chico” sea así y peor/¿mejor? Ahora bien, la construcción del personaje no me pareció verosímil, en especial la obsesión cursi de Juan con Scarlet; por un momento me sentí leyendo Cincuenta sombras de Gray, con la protagonista obsesionada con la belleza del tipo y repitiéndolo cada tres líneas.
Me decepcionó encontrar un error ortográfico (ocaciones) y un typo en la versión Kindle.
En cuanto a mi experiencia de lectura, solo puedo decir que quedé consternada. Lo leí de noche y tuve pesadillas con las cosas que pasan en Venezuela día a día.
Me decepcionó encontrar un error ortográfico (ocaciones) y un typo en la versión Kindle.
En cuanto a mi experiencia de lectura, solo puedo decir que quedé consternada. Lo leí de noche y tuve pesadillas con las cosas que pasan en Venezuela día a día.
August 22, 2020
Cuando comencé a leer el libro me pareció terrible, malísimo, odié a Juan Planchard.
Juan Planchard representa lo peor de la sociedad venezolana (desde mi punto de vista): clase media, hijo de profesionales, al que nunca le ha faltado nada en la vida, pero al que solo le interesa la riqueza fácil e inmediata, lucirse ante los amigos (la pinta), tener (acostarse con) mujeres bellas, asistir a fiestas, beber y drogarse, sin importar como lo logra ni a quien perjudica:
Pero en la medida que me iba adentrando en el libro, me di cuenta que se trata de una ácida crítica a ese pensamiento, a esa visión de unirse a cualquier negocio (guiso, como decimos en Venezuela) para hacerse de unos millones de dólares, bailar en la fiesta de la corrupción rampante:
Un duro y muy realista retrato de la Venezuela destruida, la que no le duele a nadie:
Una clase media y la oposición política que han sido incapaces de entender las necesidades de la mayoría, del pueblo llano:
No es un libro que transformará la literatura ni de lectura obligada, es un libro entretenido, fácil, divertido, pero que deja una herida profunda, al menos en los venezolanos “de bien” que queremos y trabajamos desde nuestras pequeñas esferas de influencia por un cambio positivo:
Juan Planchard representa lo peor de la sociedad venezolana (desde mi punto de vista): clase media, hijo de profesionales, al que nunca le ha faltado nada en la vida, pero al que solo le interesa la riqueza fácil e inmediata, lucirse ante los amigos (la pinta), tener (acostarse con) mujeres bellas, asistir a fiestas, beber y drogarse, sin importar como lo logra ni a quien perjudica:
”El dinero no da la felicidad, pero da una sensación tan parecida que se requiere de madurez para notar la diferencia.”
Pero en la medida que me iba adentrando en el libro, me di cuenta que se trata de una ácida crítica a ese pensamiento, a esa visión de unirse a cualquier negocio (guiso, como decimos en Venezuela) para hacerse de unos millones de dólares, bailar en la fiesta de la corrupción rampante:
” … un asalto por voluntad popular deja de ser un asalto y se convierte en una filosofía colectiva, una cultura.”
Un duro y muy realista retrato de la Venezuela destruida, la que no le duele a nadie:
”Si miras al frente ves la torre quemada de Parque Central, un rascacielos hecho ruinas, que se erige en las alturas como monumento a la decadencia de la gran nación que alguna vez quisimos ser.”
Una clase media y la oposición política que han sido incapaces de entender las necesidades de la mayoría, del pueblo llano:
”No entienden que si las mayorías quieren al tipo es porque no los aguantan a ellos. Porque son inaguantables, hermanos, seamos honestos.” (nota: el tipo es Chávez y ellos son la oposición)
“Yo no soy de los que piensan que “no volverán”. De hecho, creo que sí, lamentablemente, volverán… y volverán a cagarla… a volverla a cagar.”
No es un libro que transformará la literatura ni de lectura obligada, es un libro entretenido, fácil, divertido, pero que deja una herida profunda, al menos en los venezolanos “de bien” que queremos y trabajamos desde nuestras pequeñas esferas de influencia por un cambio positivo:
” El Comandante es el pueblo, y el pueblo está enfermo.“
June 2, 2026
Author Jonathon Jakubowicz is an award-winning Venezuelan filmmaker forced to flee his country by Hugo Chavez and his communist revolution in 2006. His novel, “The Adventures of Juan Planchard,” is due to be published in English on June 2, 2026. Already published in Spanish, it has been well received.
It’s a well-written, fast-moving tale, set mostly in 2012 Venezuela, about the main character’s “life at the top” featuring lots of sex and drugs, not to mention political revolution, corrupt government officials, and a “war” with a violent street gang. After the first few pages, I thought was in for a breezy, not-very-serious romp through hedonism. It turned out that Mr. Jakubowicz has more than a few important things to say about politics, Venezuelan oligarchy and communism, “going along to get along,” and the meaning of character.
Protagonist/narrator Juan Planchard is the approximately 30-year-old son of middle-class Venezuelans. There’s nothing very special about him, except that he’s become very rich (some might say obscenely wealthy) doing business with Hugo Chavez’s revolution—business that doesn’t benefit the Venezuelan people, only those willing to pledge fealty to the Chavez regime. Juan flies on a private jet he co-owns, does more than a little cocaine, and has a sex life filled with so many beautiful women that even Casanova would be envious. But it’s a life he finds devoid of meaning—until he meets young, beautiful Scarlett in Las Vegas. They fall instantly in love and, after a whirlwind courtship, marry. And then comes what Juan describes as the worst day of his life, beginning his descent into hell in order not to lose everything he has built.
Juan Planchard himself is an interesting and engaging character: cynical yet hopeful, wise to the ways of the world yet easily duped, hedonistic yet yearning for meaning. Through him, we learn a lot about 2012 Venezuela, the greed of its prior capitalist oligarchy, Chavez’s communist revolution and its corruption, and the poverty and street gang violence in Caracas. The central political message of the novel seems to be that while Venezuelan communism benefitted only those who sought to plunder the system, and none of the people it promised to help, it was brought on by capitalistic greed and the unwillingness of the rich to share with workers at least part of the wealth those workers created. Indeed, a cautionary tale.
All in all, I found “Juan Planchard” to be a very worthwhile read. One caveat: it’s a novel that’s filled with graphic sex (including S&M and prostitution), violence, and drug use. Readers who find that kind of material intolerable may want to steer clear.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Jonathon Jakubowicz, and publisher Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
It’s a well-written, fast-moving tale, set mostly in 2012 Venezuela, about the main character’s “life at the top” featuring lots of sex and drugs, not to mention political revolution, corrupt government officials, and a “war” with a violent street gang. After the first few pages, I thought was in for a breezy, not-very-serious romp through hedonism. It turned out that Mr. Jakubowicz has more than a few important things to say about politics, Venezuelan oligarchy and communism, “going along to get along,” and the meaning of character.
Protagonist/narrator Juan Planchard is the approximately 30-year-old son of middle-class Venezuelans. There’s nothing very special about him, except that he’s become very rich (some might say obscenely wealthy) doing business with Hugo Chavez’s revolution—business that doesn’t benefit the Venezuelan people, only those willing to pledge fealty to the Chavez regime. Juan flies on a private jet he co-owns, does more than a little cocaine, and has a sex life filled with so many beautiful women that even Casanova would be envious. But it’s a life he finds devoid of meaning—until he meets young, beautiful Scarlett in Las Vegas. They fall instantly in love and, after a whirlwind courtship, marry. And then comes what Juan describes as the worst day of his life, beginning his descent into hell in order not to lose everything he has built.
Juan Planchard himself is an interesting and engaging character: cynical yet hopeful, wise to the ways of the world yet easily duped, hedonistic yet yearning for meaning. Through him, we learn a lot about 2012 Venezuela, the greed of its prior capitalist oligarchy, Chavez’s communist revolution and its corruption, and the poverty and street gang violence in Caracas. The central political message of the novel seems to be that while Venezuelan communism benefitted only those who sought to plunder the system, and none of the people it promised to help, it was brought on by capitalistic greed and the unwillingness of the rich to share with workers at least part of the wealth those workers created. Indeed, a cautionary tale.
All in all, I found “Juan Planchard” to be a very worthwhile read. One caveat: it’s a novel that’s filled with graphic sex (including S&M and prostitution), violence, and drug use. Readers who find that kind of material intolerable may want to steer clear.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Jonathon Jakubowicz, and publisher Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
February 11, 2018
Creo que un requisito indispensable es ser venezolano, no tanto para la lectura del libro si no para el entendimiento del mismo y todo su contenido.
creo que es una lectura que se disfruta muchísimo, me sorprendió, reí y hasta me conmovió, y por ese aspecto muestra que es un buen libro, uno que disfrute mucho, mantiene un ritmo interesante e intrigante durante la trama, y te va a dejar pensando mucho en si crees que cierta cosas pasan o no, ayudo mucho a desarrollar criterio y pensamientos en cuanto al país, la situación y lo que ocasiona todo en realidad.
me encanto la ilustración del elefante blanco, al principio crees algo nada mas, pero al final se explica muy bien y de forma razonable.
lo único que no me gusto fue el final, me parece muy ficticio y para el nivel que desarrollo la obra creo que las ultimas 20 paginas decae mucho, del resto 100% recomendado
creo que es una lectura que se disfruta muchísimo, me sorprendió, reí y hasta me conmovió, y por ese aspecto muestra que es un buen libro, uno que disfrute mucho, mantiene un ritmo interesante e intrigante durante la trama, y te va a dejar pensando mucho en si crees que cierta cosas pasan o no, ayudo mucho a desarrollar criterio y pensamientos en cuanto al país, la situación y lo que ocasiona todo en realidad.
me encanto la ilustración del elefante blanco, al principio crees algo nada mas, pero al final se explica muy bien y de forma razonable.
lo único que no me gusto fue el final, me parece muy ficticio y para el nivel que desarrollo la obra creo que las ultimas 20 paginas decae mucho, del resto 100% recomendado
September 14, 2017
Es algo irónico como llegó esta lectura a mis manos, porque fue uno de esos tantos Juancito que me lo recomendó.
Me sorprendió lo mucho que me gustó, las risas entre líneas y en el suspenso en que me mantuvo por saber que iba a pasar con todo el drama que tuvo Juan.
Me gustó mucho que tuviese esos pequeños ¿Sabías qué?, como de donde viene la palabra adeco, porqué se le dice perico a la cocaína en Venezuela, la cocaína pura que se hace en una cárcel de Bolivia, entre otros.
Un paseo por el lavado de dinero, por la inseguridad del país, lujos que se permiten algunos Juan a costillas de la miseria de otros, las infraestructuras que nunca se llevan a cabo... en fin: lee Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard y sabrás todo lo que padece un enchufado del gobierno y un ciudadano promedio.
Me sorprendió lo mucho que me gustó, las risas entre líneas y en el suspenso en que me mantuvo por saber que iba a pasar con todo el drama que tuvo Juan.
Ser arrogante implica ignorar por completo la batalla perdida que todos al nacer emprendemos contra la muerte. No importa quién seas, qué tan grandes sean tus hombros, qué tanto dinero tengas, qué tan bien te esté yendo o te esté por ir; tarde o temprano, como yo y como todos, incluso aquellos que no tienen nada... te vas a morir. Esa batalla no la vas a ganar. No la ha ganado nunca nadie. Por eso es importante bajar la cabeza de vez en cuando. No somos tan especiales. Somos unos futuros muertos. Y eso no se debe olvidar jamás.
Me gustó mucho que tuviese esos pequeños ¿Sabías qué?, como de donde viene la palabra adeco, porqué se le dice perico a la cocaína en Venezuela, la cocaína pura que se hace en una cárcel de Bolivia, entre otros.
Un paseo por el lavado de dinero, por la inseguridad del país, lujos que se permiten algunos Juan a costillas de la miseria de otros, las infraestructuras que nunca se llevan a cabo... en fin: lee Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard y sabrás todo lo que padece un enchufado del gobierno y un ciudadano promedio.
June 5, 2017
es un libro que desvela el lado que quiere ocultar el socialismo latinoamericano, reflejado en una novela que en su ficción rebela la cruda realidad que se vive en países como Venezuela donde con una pancarta socialista y tratando de llegar a los pobres lograron que el pueblo los ubicara en el poder para luego desangrar al país que suponían salvar de las manos el imperio. sus paginas te hacen reflexionar sobre lo que supone vivir en este país y que mientras toda nuestro entorno se esta deformando por las medidas impuestas por el presente régimen, muchos empresarios, políticos y militares de la izquierda están haciendo mas dinero del que nunca habían soñado aprovechándose del monstruo que desataron para finalmente huir con los bolsillos llenos de verdes a otro país a hacer su vida de ensueños.
April 11, 2017
Sencillo de leer, simple pero a la vez duro y claro
March 17, 2017
El libro es muy entretenido, y se lee súper rápido, realmente me gustó. Por momentos puede parecer exagerado, pero me parece creíble (e incluso me atrevo a decir que no sería una sorpresa para ningún venezolano que existan casos así o peores), excepto la obsesión de Juan con Scarlet,
No le doy la cuarta estrella porque las escenas eroticas cansan un poco, imagino que la idea es enganchar a la gente utilizando la estrategia de 50 sombras de grey.
No le doy la cuarta estrella porque las escenas eroticas cansan un poco, imagino que la idea es enganchar a la gente utilizando la estrategia de 50 sombras de grey.
May 10, 2017
Este libro es tan entretenido que terminas de leerlo sin darte cuenta. Jakubowicz definitivamente sabe cómo contar historias. Estoy seguro de que el autor se quedó corto en sus descripciones sobre el despilfarro y la corrupción durante estos 18 años de "revolución socialista". El relato sigue la pauta de un libreto fílmico, por lo que sería genial ver esta historia convertida en una superproducción cinematográfica.
April 5, 2017
A fun way of learning how Chavez´s Venezuela really worked until his death. Extremely well documented and even though it´s a fiction novel, most of the things contained in this book change just enough to protect identities and make it fun without sacrificing the truth in its lines.
June 10, 2026
Buckle up: Wolf of Wall Street meets Scarface
This book is fast paced and full of action and grabs your attention right from the start. This book starts out with an unapologetic antihero Juan telling us exactly who he is and how he came to be in America. He is a hustler and isn’t afraid to cross the line into morally gray territory.
Yes there is chaos and dark moments in this book - but the author also weaves some very important (and VERY timely) topics into the story. There is quite a bit of modern Venezuelan history - politics, corruption, poverty, and greed and how it really affected their people. Yes it’s fiction but there is no question quite a bit of reality was represented in the story.
🚨The author’s note at the end is an absolute must read! This book was originally written in Spanish and banned in Venezuela.
✨What To Expect:
▫️Political Thriller
▫️Crime Drama
▫️Corruption
▫️Morally Gray Characters
▫️Dark Humor
▫️Fast Paced
This book is fast paced and full of action and grabs your attention right from the start. This book starts out with an unapologetic antihero Juan telling us exactly who he is and how he came to be in America. He is a hustler and isn’t afraid to cross the line into morally gray territory.
Yes there is chaos and dark moments in this book - but the author also weaves some very important (and VERY timely) topics into the story. There is quite a bit of modern Venezuelan history - politics, corruption, poverty, and greed and how it really affected their people. Yes it’s fiction but there is no question quite a bit of reality was represented in the story.
🚨The author’s note at the end is an absolute must read! This book was originally written in Spanish and banned in Venezuela.
✨What To Expect:
▫️Political Thriller
▫️Crime Drama
▫️Corruption
▫️Morally Gray Characters
▫️Dark Humor
▫️Fast Paced
June 29, 2026
Sad dreamscape from the manosphere. The recent earthquake in Venezuela exposes the lie that corruption is for winners, and the consequences of stripping infrastructure for parts is usually tragic.
June 19, 2026
This novel reminds me of wasting time by reading "The Catcher in the Rye" in Study Hall when I should have been studying for a chemistry exam. The difference is that it was a helluva lot better. Fortunately, Juan Blanchard is much shorter if you can get through it.
April 1, 2018
Coincido con otras opiniones en que el valor literario de la obra no es su fortaleza. Sin embargo, hubo algunos aspectos de la misma que me gustaron.
Me quedo con la descripción del cinismo patológico del personaje principal. También me quedo con Pantera, un personaje secundario, que en mi opinión, es el mejor desarrollado de toda la historia. También me gustaron las conversaciones via Twitter.
Hay algunas frases muy buenas:
"Pero así es la vida. No hay momentos perfectos. Es la imperfección la que nos hace felices. La asimetría es la morada de la belleza espiritual"
"Tenía su lado emocionante eso de mostrarle a mi amada la tierra que me vio nacer. Pero lo que más me gustaba era la idea a ese poco de marginales lo que era una dama de verdad. La mayoría de los revolucionarios andan todos lucidos con sus mamitas ricas y apretaditas criollas, pero ni sueñan conseguirse una gringa de las que ven en las películas. Algunos dirán que lo de ellos son las venezolanas, pero eso es cuento. Si hablaran inglés andarían con catiras importadas."
"En el fondo todo venezolano, sea de la ideología que sea, sueña con una gringa. Por eso casi todas nuestras actrices famosas, casi todas nuestras misses, casi todas nuestras locutoras de noticias y chicas Polar...son blancas, o rubias, o tienen facciones de blancas."
"Por eso Fidel Castro eligió una catira de ojos verdes como esposa del Comandante en las primeras elecciones. Para demostrarle al pueblo mestizo que ese zambo, Comandante valiente, pudo conseguir a una gringa como la que todos sueñan..."
"Ellos saben que yo tengo, pero doy. Y esa es la clave de la revolución, el secreto que la oligarquía apátrida de la Cuarta República nunca logró comprender. Dando y dando todos vamos mejorando, los de abajo van comiendo y los de arriba van pirando."
"Donde manda el capital, no manda el marinero."
Y otras frases más.
En lo negativo, no me gustan las novelas ligeras, y peor del tipo Dan Brown. La historia no es nada del otro mundo, y los personajes principales tampoco están muy bien desarrollados en su complejidad sicológica. Adicionalmente, el final me pareció muy Hollywoodense y predecible.
Una obra entretenida, con algunos puntos a favor; pero que me queda debiendo en describir con mayor detalle las aberraciones del chavismo y de los excesos del poder en manos de los hermanos latinoamericanos.
Me quedo con la descripción del cinismo patológico del personaje principal. También me quedo con Pantera, un personaje secundario, que en mi opinión, es el mejor desarrollado de toda la historia. También me gustaron las conversaciones via Twitter.
Hay algunas frases muy buenas:
"Pero así es la vida. No hay momentos perfectos. Es la imperfección la que nos hace felices. La asimetría es la morada de la belleza espiritual"
"Tenía su lado emocionante eso de mostrarle a mi amada la tierra que me vio nacer. Pero lo que más me gustaba era la idea a ese poco de marginales lo que era una dama de verdad. La mayoría de los revolucionarios andan todos lucidos con sus mamitas ricas y apretaditas criollas, pero ni sueñan conseguirse una gringa de las que ven en las películas. Algunos dirán que lo de ellos son las venezolanas, pero eso es cuento. Si hablaran inglés andarían con catiras importadas."
"En el fondo todo venezolano, sea de la ideología que sea, sueña con una gringa. Por eso casi todas nuestras actrices famosas, casi todas nuestras misses, casi todas nuestras locutoras de noticias y chicas Polar...son blancas, o rubias, o tienen facciones de blancas."
"Por eso Fidel Castro eligió una catira de ojos verdes como esposa del Comandante en las primeras elecciones. Para demostrarle al pueblo mestizo que ese zambo, Comandante valiente, pudo conseguir a una gringa como la que todos sueñan..."
"Ellos saben que yo tengo, pero doy. Y esa es la clave de la revolución, el secreto que la oligarquía apátrida de la Cuarta República nunca logró comprender. Dando y dando todos vamos mejorando, los de abajo van comiendo y los de arriba van pirando."
"Donde manda el capital, no manda el marinero."
Y otras frases más.
En lo negativo, no me gustan las novelas ligeras, y peor del tipo Dan Brown. La historia no es nada del otro mundo, y los personajes principales tampoco están muy bien desarrollados en su complejidad sicológica. Adicionalmente, el final me pareció muy Hollywoodense y predecible.
Una obra entretenida, con algunos puntos a favor; pero que me queda debiendo en describir con mayor detalle las aberraciones del chavismo y de los excesos del poder en manos de los hermanos latinoamericanos.
November 6, 2024
Al principio del libro el autor muestra al protagonista Juan Planchard como alguien superficial inmerso en el mundo de las drogas, prostitutas y despilfarros absurdos de dinero en cualquier cantidad de lujos, dinero obtenido a través del gobierno corrupto de Venezuela a costillas de su gente, siendo el típico “enchufado”.
Me recordó por un momento a Jordan Belfort (el de Wolf of street) y a su estilo de vida y personalidad.
Relata una historia en la que el protagonista se enamora de una gringa, a quien idealiza hasta más no poder, buscando un sentido a su vida materialista. Esto mientras vive experiencias que se tornan cada vez más oscuras a medida que avanza el libro.
Muestra cómo piensa un enchufado, así como también muestra la dura realidad de Venezuela y cómo los enchufados tienen su parte de la culpa y a la vez son también víctimas de sus propias acciones, pues al final todos los que vivimos en Venezuela sufrimos las consecuencias en diferente medida y forma.
Es un libro muy fácil y rápido de leer por su simplicidad en el lenguaje coloquial que usa y la rapidez en que relata los hechos, además de ser muy entretenido pues siempre está pasando algo, sobretodo en la segunda mitad.
A través de las opiniones, visión y vivencias de Planchard, se ve una realidad muy cruda e impactante. También invita mucho a la reflexión y a comprender a personas con diferentes puntos de vista que han vivido la misma situación de Venezuela.
“…supe jugar el juego en vez de ponerme a pelear. Acepté la realidad de la liga y me adapté. Yo no soy el Umpire, ni el Manager. Ni puse las reglas, ni decido cuándo cambiar al pitcher…”
“Yo era un hijo de la revolución y, como tal, había entendido la necesidad de fomentar la violencia callejera para garantizar el control total del país.”
“Quizá Pantera tenía razón y yo sí tenía “mucho que perder”. Quizá de eso se trataba la vida: de ir sumando afectos, para tener algo que perder y así evitar actuar como si nada valiese la pena.”
Me recordó por un momento a Jordan Belfort (el de Wolf of street) y a su estilo de vida y personalidad.
Relata una historia en la que el protagonista se enamora de una gringa, a quien idealiza hasta más no poder, buscando un sentido a su vida materialista. Esto mientras vive experiencias que se tornan cada vez más oscuras a medida que avanza el libro.
Muestra cómo piensa un enchufado, así como también muestra la dura realidad de Venezuela y cómo los enchufados tienen su parte de la culpa y a la vez son también víctimas de sus propias acciones, pues al final todos los que vivimos en Venezuela sufrimos las consecuencias en diferente medida y forma.
Es un libro muy fácil y rápido de leer por su simplicidad en el lenguaje coloquial que usa y la rapidez en que relata los hechos, además de ser muy entretenido pues siempre está pasando algo, sobretodo en la segunda mitad.
A través de las opiniones, visión y vivencias de Planchard, se ve una realidad muy cruda e impactante. También invita mucho a la reflexión y a comprender a personas con diferentes puntos de vista que han vivido la misma situación de Venezuela.
“…supe jugar el juego en vez de ponerme a pelear. Acepté la realidad de la liga y me adapté. Yo no soy el Umpire, ni el Manager. Ni puse las reglas, ni decido cuándo cambiar al pitcher…”
“Yo era un hijo de la revolución y, como tal, había entendido la necesidad de fomentar la violencia callejera para garantizar el control total del país.”
“Quizá Pantera tenía razón y yo sí tenía “mucho que perder”. Quizá de eso se trataba la vida: de ir sumando afectos, para tener algo que perder y así evitar actuar como si nada valiese la pena.”
August 10, 2026
Like many books published in authoritarian contexts, The Adventures of Juan Planchard is significant not only for its literary merit but also for its reception. Acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Jakubowicz—who has been based in Los Angeles for two decades and describes himself as “the first [Venezuelan] artist forced into exile”—published this raunchy thriller in Spanish 10 years ago. It climbed bestseller lists and earned the ire of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who banned it from bookstores across the country.
Maduro’s censorship efforts were largely unsuccessful, and copies of The Adventures of Juan Planchard became a coveted form of contraband in Caracas... [[READ THE REST IN FP: https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/06/05/...]]
Maduro’s censorship efforts were largely unsuccessful, and copies of The Adventures of Juan Planchard became a coveted form of contraband in Caracas... [[READ THE REST IN FP: https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/06/05/...]]
June 17, 2026
I wanted to like this but....it was horrendous. This was what I feel like every 13 year old boy thinks of as a "cool guy." The sex scenes in this were gratuitous, added nothing to the story, and I swear were there just so some kid could go "I KNEW it was like that."
And what really sucks is I LOVE Jakubowicz as a film director. Hands of Stone is a FANTASTIC film.
But this...this was a fever dream of a pre-teen boy who thinks life will be forever "awesome." Brutal read.
Would not recommend to anyone.
And what really sucks is I LOVE Jakubowicz as a film director. Hands of Stone is a FANTASTIC film.
But this...this was a fever dream of a pre-teen boy who thinks life will be forever "awesome." Brutal read.
Would not recommend to anyone.
November 12, 2024
Es entretenido y se lee muy rápido, pero no creo que valga la pena leerlo si no eres venezolano. Como dicen otros reviews, claramente la parte literaria no es el fuerte de la novela, de hecho se nota por la forma de escribir que Jonathan es director/guionista. Es como si un pana (que tu sabes que es mojonero de más) te echara un cuento "loquísimo" en una reunión tomando curdas, le crees la mitad pero te entretienes con las "aventuras".
September 19, 2025
Es un libro que se encarga de recrear lo que venezolanos hemos vivido durante 25 años de revolución y el cómo se ven las influencias de las esferas más altas del gobierno. Es un libro sencillo de leer, aunque si que es cierto que sus páginas causa un poco de desesperanza e impotencia.
Es recomendable para aquellos que desconozcan lo que verdaderamente ha pasado con las grandes esferas y la complicidad entre quienes dirigen a las masas.
Es recomendable para aquellos que desconozcan lo que verdaderamente ha pasado con las grandes esferas y la complicidad entre quienes dirigen a las masas.
December 30, 2016
Delicia de opositores sensacionalistas.
Más allá de la intencional expresión chocante del protagonista, el desarrollo de personajes es pobre, escasean subtextos, en fin, se me hizo mediocrillo con altas miras. Por suerte es breve y en algún momento coge vuelo.
Agrada de a ratos cuando logra recordar a Pin Pan Pun.
Más allá de la intencional expresión chocante del protagonista, el desarrollo de personajes es pobre, escasean subtextos, en fin, se me hizo mediocrillo con altas miras. Por suerte es breve y en algún momento coge vuelo.
Agrada de a ratos cuando logra recordar a Pin Pan Pun.
January 5, 2017
Excelente
Excelente libro. La triste realidad que vive nuestro país en un humor negro y bastante ameno, lo recomiendo al 100%. No apto para oficialistas o enchufados
Excelente libro. La triste realidad que vive nuestro país en un humor negro y bastante ameno, lo recomiendo al 100%. No apto para oficialistas o enchufados
February 4, 2017
Novela sencilla cargada de verdades
La realidad del país hecha novela. Conozco a varios intentos de Planchard. Describe muy bien la vida de los bolichicos
La realidad del país hecha novela. Conozco a varios intentos de Planchard. Describe muy bien la vida de los bolichicos
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Still riding high off the success granted by the ROCKY franchise that steadily popped out sequels all the way to the first half of the 1980s, producer Irwin Winkler tried his hand at another underdog-beating-the-odds story in 1985. America. In a twist of hilarity, Winkler could not get financing for this picture in the U.S., taking it across the pond for British monies to produce an epic about the birth of America. With Chainsaws, Cubans and cocaine still in the minds of the movie going public, casting Al Pacino as the hero of REVOLUTION could not miss. REVOLUTION, unlike its immortal inspiration, flopped in a spectacular way, though not for lack of trying. Fighting oppression, albeit not of British manufacture, Venezuela threw off the shackles of tyranny in the Bolivarian Revolution that's enjoyed an on-again, off-again status since 2002 and has been going strong for more than two decades now. Though no hero of the revolution by far, Juan Planchard knows that OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS but once, and in the maelstrom of revolution, riches are to be made. THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD is a shattering novel of big money and the American Dream. Raw, savage, and real. A scorched earth narrative packed with black humor, brutal realism, and political critique. THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD is the most uncompromising must-read of 2026, and as American as Apple Pie.
Unlike Johnny Utah, who was accused of being young and dumb, Juan Planchard is scratching thirty and is a hustler, scavenger and predator. In lock-step with those attributes, he was also tired of being broke, so he adapted, improvised, and overcame; mainly the rancid machinery greased by theft and survival, aka Venezuela in the 2000s. Specifically, Venezuela in 2011, a time of Chavez and his carnival of vengeance, a land of cannibals in a world that saw the downfall of Gaddafi, UBL, and Kim Jong-Il. Stuck in a corporate job, grinding the hamster wheel for Procter & Gamble, Juan turned successful revolutionary, of sorts. Respected, he's got the American Dream laid out before him like a buffet, prompting him to leave Venezuela for the golden shores of America. Five million in his pocket and running free in a country where capitalism is in crisis and everything is on clearance. Conquering the United States was as easy as Venezuela. A broken social contract between the rulers and the ruled, social crime rampant, a situation that can't be solved by socialism, communism, capitalism, or democracy. For Juan, it's uncanny how much Venezuela, its narrative, misconceptions, pretensions and problems are almost a mirror image of those affecting life in the United States. THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD is revolution chic. Instead of red, Juan Planchard is all about the green and how to turn a buck. Hell, even millions of them, especially off the revolution and the corrupt government machine of Venezuela. THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD is a decent into the Bolivarian underworld and American high society, total anarchy where plata talks and anything goes.
Originally published in 2016 and now for the first time in English, translated by the author himself, THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD is pure pandemonium and picking up speed, earning its due from readers the most righteous way possible. In fact, the why, how, and when THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD came about is, well, an adventure in and of itself, the key take-aways being that it's more than ten years old and that the author's aim was to pack the book with enough sex and violence to get it noticed. Mission accomplished. And to put Venezuela's problems and problematic and corrupt leadership into the spotlight--an added bonus! Juan Planchard and in turn its author argue that politics in Venezuela and perhaps America were and are not about helping the poor. It is about exploiting their hopes for personal gain. THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD further seeks to shed light on an era of nihilistic selfishness and shameless opportunism that has now gone global, starting in the failed state of Venezuela. Perhaps politicians have now been put on notice. Throwing down phrases like 'bargain bin glamor' and asserting that money isn't everything, everyone's with the winner, always, there's nothing more absurd than arrogance, THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD also asks readers to consider what it's worth to defend your honor and whether they could pay the price. A love letter to capitalism and the American way of life, THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD admonishes that if the game is rigged for hustlers, then hustle. But whatever you do, the Gringos always end up with your money, your oil, your banks, your friends, your country, your dreams...your life. THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD is a novel of chaos, with Fear and Loathing between Caracas and Las Vegas. Adding a touch of FARGO and PRETTY WOMAN, it's incisive and demented like AMERICAN PSYCHO--Bret Easton Ellis on crank with a dash of Ben Mezrich. As such, it's not a novel, it's an adventure.
August 3, 2026
The Adventures of Juan Planchard
is a fast, sensational thriller set amid the corruption and institutional decay of Chavez-era Venezuela (2011). Juan is an opportunist who learns how to profit from a system in which political connections matter more than honest work. The deeper he enters that world, the harder it becomes to separate the corruption around him from the corruption within him.
The book’s strongest point is its portrayal of how corruption spreads. Government officials, businessmen, criminals, and willing beneficiaries become part of the same system. Public projects may begin with at least a supposed social purpose, only to become opportunities for theft with little or nothing actually accomplished.
The novel clearly wants to make a serious political and moral point, but it delivers that message through sex, drugs, extravagant wealth, violence, and increasingly movie-like action. That makes it easy to keep listening - I finished the audiobook over one weekend of driving - but eventually the entertainment overwhelms the commentary it was meant to carry.
Juan is vivid and memorable, as is his relationship with Scarlet, but neither receives the psychological depth the story needs. We also see very little of ordinary Venezuelans beyond their suffering in the background. The novel communicates its warning about corruption, complicity, and institutional decay, but it does not fully explore that warning or its consequences.
As a thriller, it is fast and entertaining, though often overblown. As an introduction to the corruption of Chavez-era Venezuela, it may encourage readers to look further. As a serious novel about guilt, moral compromise, and punishment, it remains too shallow.
A worthwhile and easy listen, but not quite as powerful as its subject deserves.
The book’s strongest point is its portrayal of how corruption spreads. Government officials, businessmen, criminals, and willing beneficiaries become part of the same system. Public projects may begin with at least a supposed social purpose, only to become opportunities for theft with little or nothing actually accomplished.
The novel clearly wants to make a serious political and moral point, but it delivers that message through sex, drugs, extravagant wealth, violence, and increasingly movie-like action. That makes it easy to keep listening - I finished the audiobook over one weekend of driving - but eventually the entertainment overwhelms the commentary it was meant to carry.
Juan is vivid and memorable, as is his relationship with Scarlet, but neither receives the psychological depth the story needs. We also see very little of ordinary Venezuelans beyond their suffering in the background. The novel communicates its warning about corruption, complicity, and institutional decay, but it does not fully explore that warning or its consequences.
As a thriller, it is fast and entertaining, though often overblown. As an introduction to the corruption of Chavez-era Venezuela, it may encourage readers to look further. As a serious novel about guilt, moral compromise, and punishment, it remains too shallow.
A worthwhile and easy listen, but not quite as powerful as its subject deserves.
June 8, 2026
This is a supercharged, dark, and deeply compelling political thriller. I found it to be both highly entertaining and incredibly informative. Jakubowicz does a masterful job of using a fictional, morally gray protagonist to expose the devastating, real-world mechanics of systemic corruption.
The Praises:
* Phenomenal Narration: The audiobook delivery is absolutely stellar. The narrator (Timothy Andrés Pabon) gives a manic, drug-fueled, yet deeply charismatic performance that instantly brings to mind Johnny Depp’s iconic portrayal of Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
* Relentless Pacing: The book is beautifully concise with absolutely zero fluff. The short chapters give it a forward momentum that makes it almost impossible to pause.
* Educational Value: Beneath the wild lifestyle and criminal schemes, it offers an eye-opening education on economic exploitation and political decay.
The Minor Criticisms:
* Predictable Trajectory: If you are looking for a mystery packed with shocking, unseen plot twists, you might find this too straightforward. The narrative path is relatively linear, relying more on rapid momentum and raw shock value than intricate plot puzzles.
* Extreme Content: The relentless hedonism and cynicism of the main character might be polarizing for readers who prefer traditionally likable protagonists.
Final Verdict:
An electrifying, take-no-prisoners audiobook. The incredible, unhinged vocal performance perfectly elevates the fast-paced story. It does not need complex twists to keep you hooked because the performance and the reality it describes are gripping enough on their own. Highly recommend.
The Praises:
* Phenomenal Narration: The audiobook delivery is absolutely stellar. The narrator (Timothy Andrés Pabon) gives a manic, drug-fueled, yet deeply charismatic performance that instantly brings to mind Johnny Depp’s iconic portrayal of Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
* Relentless Pacing: The book is beautifully concise with absolutely zero fluff. The short chapters give it a forward momentum that makes it almost impossible to pause.
* Educational Value: Beneath the wild lifestyle and criminal schemes, it offers an eye-opening education on economic exploitation and political decay.
The Minor Criticisms:
* Predictable Trajectory: If you are looking for a mystery packed with shocking, unseen plot twists, you might find this too straightforward. The narrative path is relatively linear, relying more on rapid momentum and raw shock value than intricate plot puzzles.
* Extreme Content: The relentless hedonism and cynicism of the main character might be polarizing for readers who prefer traditionally likable protagonists.
Final Verdict:
An electrifying, take-no-prisoners audiobook. The incredible, unhinged vocal performance perfectly elevates the fast-paced story. It does not need complex twists to keep you hooked because the performance and the reality it describes are gripping enough on their own. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A political thriller centered around a Venezuelan playboy. It’s a wild and crazy ride through a morally grey world where a man dares to game the system that destroyed his country.
Juan is a middle class nobody. He has a charm that allows him entry to the world of oligarchs and corrupt politicians. He’s willing to do what it takes to make money at the expense of his personal morality. Quitting his job at Proctor & Gamble, Juan takes advantage of the currency control system set up by Hugo Chavez. He’s the ultimate anti-hero until he falls in love with Scarlet. When he takes her to Caracas to meet his parents, everything changes for Juan.
Published in 2016 in Venezuela, this book became a “viral phenomenon among the Venezuelan community in exile” (Al Día). It’s part political thriller and crime fiction. It takes us into the corrupt and totalitarian Venezuelan world begun in 1998 and those who live and suffer there.
Juan may be an engaging character but his choice of lifestyles is fraught with darkness and morally grey decisions. He has no scruples; he just wants money and fun. The author is quite honest in his storytelling, hiding nothing and being painfully honest - “In the land of cannibals there’s no reason to be honest.” While there are flaws in the book, the story holds your attention.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me access to this ARC.
Juan is a middle class nobody. He has a charm that allows him entry to the world of oligarchs and corrupt politicians. He’s willing to do what it takes to make money at the expense of his personal morality. Quitting his job at Proctor & Gamble, Juan takes advantage of the currency control system set up by Hugo Chavez. He’s the ultimate anti-hero until he falls in love with Scarlet. When he takes her to Caracas to meet his parents, everything changes for Juan.
Published in 2016 in Venezuela, this book became a “viral phenomenon among the Venezuelan community in exile” (Al Día). It’s part political thriller and crime fiction. It takes us into the corrupt and totalitarian Venezuelan world begun in 1998 and those who live and suffer there.
Juan may be an engaging character but his choice of lifestyles is fraught with darkness and morally grey decisions. He has no scruples; he just wants money and fun. The author is quite honest in his storytelling, hiding nothing and being painfully honest - “In the land of cannibals there’s no reason to be honest.” While there are flaws in the book, the story holds your attention.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me access to this ARC.
May 28, 2026
THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCAHRD, by Jonathan Jakubowicz, is a fast-paced political satire and thriller first published in Spanish in 2016. It follows Juan Planchard, a middle-class Venezuelan who gains wealth and excess by exploiting corruption in the Chávez-era political system. Planchard’s cynical and outrageous narration exposes Venezuela’s collapse—its moral decay, violence, greed, and opportunism—blending dark humor, crime, political commentary, and social critique. The novel’s sharp psychological portrayal of opportunism, corruption, and survival in authoritarian systems led to its banning by Chavez when it first appeared in Venezuela.
I read both the Spanish and the English editions, and the biggest difference I see is in audience context: Venezuelan readers may experience the original as intensely personal and painfully recognizable, while English-language readers are more likely to view it as both a political thriller and an eye-opening portrayal of a collapsing society, given their different cultural backgrounds.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the review copy. I enjoyed this immersive and thought-provoking read, and look forward to the next in the series, La venganza de Juan Planchard.
I read both the Spanish and the English editions, and the biggest difference I see is in audience context: Venezuelan readers may experience the original as intensely personal and painfully recognizable, while English-language readers are more likely to view it as both a political thriller and an eye-opening portrayal of a collapsing society, given their different cultural backgrounds.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the review copy. I enjoyed this immersive and thought-provoking read, and look forward to the next in the series, La venganza de Juan Planchard.
July 16, 2026
THE ADVENTURES OF JUAN PLANCHARD by Jonathan Jakubowicz.
The initial preoccupation with sexual encounters with far too much detail initially turned me off this book. If that is your jam, you will love the fact that it occurs throughout the book. Juan is an opportunist who successfully games the Venezuelan political climate. In his mind, he is a revolutionary; in actuality, he is the capitalist of the worst kind.
Personally, I recommend reading the author’s notes at the end first. When I discovered that the author was chased from Venezuela due to his controversial movie, his credibility soared. His explanation as to what I saw, as gratuitous sex, was calculated to capture readers in a society that has little love for reading.
Juan considers himself a man of the world while demonstrating self-defeating naivety. His relationship with Scarlet is a harbinger of his future difficulties.
The description of Venezuelan corruption is daunting.
The book has a wealth of eye-opening vignettes.
The initial preoccupation with sexual encounters with far too much detail initially turned me off this book. If that is your jam, you will love the fact that it occurs throughout the book. Juan is an opportunist who successfully games the Venezuelan political climate. In his mind, he is a revolutionary; in actuality, he is the capitalist of the worst kind.
Personally, I recommend reading the author’s notes at the end first. When I discovered that the author was chased from Venezuela due to his controversial movie, his credibility soared. His explanation as to what I saw, as gratuitous sex, was calculated to capture readers in a society that has little love for reading.
Juan considers himself a man of the world while demonstrating self-defeating naivety. His relationship with Scarlet is a harbinger of his future difficulties.
The description of Venezuelan corruption is daunting.
The book has a wealth of eye-opening vignettes.
June 9, 2026
Crazy and wild! I should state that this isn't normally something I would pick up and read, but that doesn't remove the validity of the story or the writing. Well written, clear and fun, this is a story that will grab you from the start. A character slightly reminiscent of Hunter S. Thompson, Juan Planchard is always on the lookout for the next beautiful woman, the next high. We notice, long before Juan does I suspect, that his life is shallow and meaningless in spite of his great wealth. Perhaps because of his riches, and the fact that he can have whatever he desires, his life has devolved. But maybe, just maybe, he has met the woman who can give his life meaning. (No spoilers here, but keep an eye out for a follow up.) Underlying this story is an expose of the corrupt government that allowed and seemingly encouraged corrupt citizens to 'earn' millions.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
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