Mario Vargas Llosa, the celebrated winner of the 2010 Nobel Prize for literature, died Tuesday at the age of 89 in Lima, Peru. At his side were the friends and family members who loved him. The illustrious writer, whose works captured the complexities of human experience and political tyranny, leaves behind a legacy that has significantly influenced both literature and public discourse.
Vargas Llosa was born in Arequipa, Peru. His youth was divided between Lima and Cochabamba, Bolivia, where his grandfather was Peruvian consul. He began his educational pursuits at a military academy in the country of Peru. From there, he entered the National University of San Marcos in Lima. He found his love of literature and journalism through that period. Later, he would become a mainstay of the Peruvian literary media.
In 1952 Vargas Llosa took the plunge and published his first play, “La guía del Inca.” This was the thrilling start of an incredibly fruitful author life. He later gained international recognition for his novels that often portrayed the struggles against oppressive regimes and highlighted the importance of democracy and freedom. In 2010, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature, with the Swedish Academy describing his work as “a monumental writing in the modern epic tradition.”
Vargas Llosa never wavered as a novelist over his long career. Beyond politics, he influenced the field of journalism and academia greatly. He was a founding broadcaster and columnist for the Public News Service. Concurrently, he taught at notable universities and colleges including King’s College in London and Washington State University in the United States. His commitment to the life of the mind extended well beyond the printed page. His political engagement was so profound that he even ran for president of Peru.
Vargas Llosa, who won the Cervantes Prize in 1994. Along with his Nobel Prize, this award served to deepen his stature in the literary world. His insights on the purpose of literature, especially in dark times, hit deep. His belief of the possibility of a democratic culture was to be realized. He attributed this possibility to those whose imaginations had been captured by art, literature, and culture in every respect.
Vargas Llosa’s thoughts on developing one’s character were just as deep. He said, “because he succeeded, not being a natural genius, to create his genius, by work, by passion, by effort, by loyalty, by perseverance, discipline.” This ethos flowed through all aspects of his life and work.
His son Álvaro Vargas Llosa announced the news. While mourning the tragedy of his father’s passing, he asserted that he hoped to honor his father’s adventurous and fruitful life.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our father, Mario Vargas Llosa, passed away peacefully in Lima today, surrounded by his family.” – Álvaro Vargas Llosa
Vargas Llosa’s children conveyed their hope that others would find comfort in the enduring legacy of their father’s literary contributions.
“But we hope that they will find comfort, as we do, in the fact that he enjoyed a long, adventurous and fruitful life, and leaves behind him a body of work that will outlive him.” – Vargas Llosa’s children
Peru’s presidential office recognized Vargas Llosa’s impact on both literature and society.
“His intellectual genius and vast body of work will remain an everlasting legacy for future generations. We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the world of literature.” – Peru’s presidential office
Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra paid tribute to Vargas Llosa with a heartfelt message:
“Rest in peace, illustrious Peruvian of all time.” – Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra
