Nobel Prize-winning Peruvian-Spanish author Mario Vargas Llosa passes away at 89. Peru declares national mourning as the literary world pays tribute to the legendary writer.

Related:

Latin Americans Who Have Won the Nobel Prize in Literature

The literary and cultural world is in mourning following the death of acclaimed Peruvian-Spanish novelist Mario Vargas Llosa, who passed away at the age of 89 in his home in Lima. His death, announced by his children on social media, marks the end of a life devoted to literature and critical thought—leaving behind an indelible legacy in Hispanic-American letters.

The Peruvian government has declared Monday a “national day of mourning,” a testament to Vargas Llosa’s profound impact on his homeland and the world. A supreme decree ordered flags to be flown at half-mast on all public buildings, a symbolic gesture honoring a man whose pen transformed Spanish-language storytelling.

Born in Arequipa in 1936, Vargas Llosa was a prolific author whose works—including The Time of the Hero (La ciudad y los perros), The Green House (La casa verde), and Conversation in the Cathedral (Conversación en La Catedral)—not only redefined Latin American literature but also cemented his place among the greatest writers of his time.

His career was marked by an unrelenting pursuit of truth and justice, qualities that also led him into politics as a presidential candidate in Peru’s 1990 election—though that venture never matched the success of his literary achievements.

In 2023, Vargas Llosa reached a historic milestone by becoming the first Spanish-language author inducted into the Académie Française, where he expressed gratitude to France for helping him discover “another Latin America.” This international recognition underscored his global literary influence.

The literary community has reacted with deep sorrow to his passing. Writers, politicians, and institutions have paid tribute to his genius and invaluable contributions. Peruvian author Alfredo Bryce Echenique called him “the Peruvian of all time,” while the Gabo Foundation hailed him as a “master of Spanish-language narrative.”

Political leaders all over the world, have also expressed their grief, acknowledging his enduring impact on future generations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum joined in mourning, emphasizing that beyond political differences, Vargas Llosa would be remembered as a literary titan.

Mario Vargas Llosa was more than a writer—he was a thinker deeply engaged with his era. His literary legacy and sharp reflections on society and politics will continue to inspire readers and writers alike. On this day of national mourning, Peru and the world honor a maestro whose words will live on through the pages of his timeless works.

EN ESTA NOTA: