It's your choice...
TD,
If you have read other work by Vargas LLosa and you like his writing style then give it a try. My theory is you never lose with reading a book although it may not be exactly what you are hoping for but with a good author there's always knowledge to be gained. Personally, I have not been able to get into anything by Vargas LLosa simply because I find his writing style to be muy pesao but that does not mean I don't recognize that he's a quality writer. I am just waiting to find the right book from his collection that will click with me and that usually gets me interested in getting deeper into an author's collection.
I have La fiesta del chivo and a few other of his books, all still waiting to read among the piles of other novels I have. I think you will find it a bit difficult to get into but if you stick with it you will find it enjoyable. I read the first hundred pages or so and that was my impression for when I really sit down and read the book. When I do read a Vargas LLosa novel though it will be"?Qui?n mat? a Palomino Molero?" first. It's a short mystery novel and if I like it I am sure I will go back to the shelf and grab another one to read. I have also received great feedback and strong recommendations for "La ciudad y los perros" by Peruvians so I am interesed in that novel too and I have it.
Good luck.
-MP.