Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa Dies at 89 in Lima

Post by: Elena Malik

Photo : AFP

Lima: Mario Vargas Llosa, the famous Peruvian writer and Nobel Prize winner in literature, passed away on Sunday at the age of 89. His family confirmed that he died peacefully in Lima, surrounded by loved ones.

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that our father, Mario Vargas Llosa, has passed away today in Lima,” said his eldest son Alvaro in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The message was also signed by his other children, Gonzalo and Morgana.

Vargas Llosa was one of the most important writers from Latin America and a key figure in the literary "boom" of the 1960s and 70s, along with authors like Gabriel Garcia Marquez from Colombia and Julio Cortázar from Argentina.

He was born into a middle-class family in Peru and became known worldwide for his books that explored the political and social issues of Latin America.

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In recent months, rumors had spread about his declining health. He had been staying away from the public eye. Last October, his son Alvaro had said, “He’s about to turn 90, and at that age, you need to slow down a little.”

His family said his death will deeply sadden many people — not just his family and friends, but readers around the world. “But we find comfort knowing that he lived a full, adventurous life and leaves behind powerful stories that will live on,” the statement added.

The government of Peru announced a day of mourning on Monday in his honor. Flags were flown at half-mast on official buildings.

No Public Ceremony
In keeping with Vargas Llosa’s own wishes, the family said there will be no public ceremony or wake. “We hope people will give us privacy to say goodbye in peace,” the siblings said. They also shared that his body would be cremated.

Despite the lack of a formal public event, many fans gathered outside his home to pay their respects. A young man named Gustavo Ruiz told a local radio station, “I couldn’t believe it. I came here because I knew there wouldn’t be a funeral.”

Another fan, 30-year-old artist David Marreros, told reporters, “He showed us that you can live by doing what you love.”

Peru’s President Dina Boluarte also paid tribute, saying, “His incredible mind and work will be remembered by future generations. We send our deepest condolences to his family and to readers around the world.”

A Life of Writing
Vargas Llosa had returned to live in Lima last year and celebrated his 89th birthday on March 28. Just days before, his son shared photos of him visiting places in Lima where he wrote his last two novels: Five Corners (2016) and I Dedicate My Silence to You (2023).

He is best known for books like The City and the Dogs (1963) and Conversation in the Cathedral (1969), which described life and politics in Peru. His writing often focused on real-life problems in society.

While many praised his writing, some intellectuals in South America criticized him for having conservative political views.

His books were translated into nearly 30 languages, spreading his work across the globe. Vargas Llosa also had a deep love for French culture and lived in Paris for several years. In 2016, he became the first foreign writer to be added to France’s prestigious Pleiade literary collection while still alive. In 2021, he joined the French Academy of intellectuals.

Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe called him the “Master of Masters,” and American diplomat Christopher Landau said his stories were “timeless and universal.”

Peruvian writer Alfredo Bryce Echenique said, “His death is a big loss for Peru. He was truly great.”

Even though Mario Vargas Llosa is no longer with us, his stories and ideas will continue to inspire people for many years to come.

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