Mario Vargas Llosa, the renowned Peruvian-Spanish author and Nobel Prize winner, has passed away at the age of 89, as confirmed by his family.
In a heartfelt statement shared by his son Álvaro Vargas Llosa on X, the family expressed their sorrow, noting that he died peacefully in Lima, surrounded by loved ones. Vargas Llosa is celebrated for his influential novels, including Conversation in the Cathedral, The War of the End of the World, and Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, the latter of which inspired the 1990 film Tune in Tomorrow featuring Barbara Hershey and Keanu Reeves.
He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010, recognized by the Swedish Academy for his profound exploration of power dynamics and the human spirit's struggle against oppression.
His children reflected on his legacy, stating that while his loss will be felt deeply by family, friends, and readers worldwide, they take solace in his remarkable life and enduring literary contributions.
A private farewell ceremony will be held for him, attended by family and close friends.
Peru's President, Dina Boluarte, paid tribute to Vargas Llosa, calling him an "illustrious Peruvian of all time," and emphasized that his intellectual legacy will inspire future generations. Born in Arequipa, Peru, Vargas Llosa spent part of his childhood in Bolivia before pursuing his education in Lima, where he began his literary career with the play La Huida del Inca in 1952, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Peru's literary scene.
He began his career as a journalist and broadcaster before enrolling at the University of Madrid, subsequently relocating to Paris. In 1963, he released his debut novel, La ciudad y los perros (The Time of the Hero), which garnered international recognition and was translated into over a dozen languages. His later works include The Green House (1966) and Captain Pantoja and the Special Service (1973).
Following teaching positions in London, a residency at Washington State University in the United States, and a period spent in Barcelona, he returned to Lima in 1974. In 1978, a collection of his essays was published in English translation.
In 1990, Vargas Llosa campaigned for the presidency of Peru on a classical liberal platform that advocated for individual liberties and limited governmental authority. After being defeated by Alberto Fujimori in a runoff election, he relocated to Spain and acquired Spanish citizenship in 1993. The following year, he received the esteemed Cervantes Prize.
His later literary contributions include The Feast of the Goat (2000) and The Bad Girl (2006).
“I believe literature is a source of pleasure,” he remarked, “but it also serves as a crucial tool for progress in life.”
Upon receiving the Nobel Prize, Vargas Llosa acknowledged French author Gustave Flaubert as a significant influence, commending his commitment and discipline in honing his craft. He also highlighted the interplay between literature and politics, asserting that literature has the power to awaken society to issues of suffering, injustice, and inequality.