Considered a universal writer and the Peruvian genius of the letters, Mario Vargas Llosa left a legacy in the world of literature after his death this Sunday, April 13 at his home in Lima. The event was confirmed by their children, who advanced that the funeral will be private.
The winner of the Nobel Prize for literature was part of the so -called regional “boom”, along with other greats such as the Colombian Gabriel García Márquez, the Argentine Julio Cortázar and the Mexicans Carlos Fuentes and Juan Rulfo.
With deep pain, we make public that our father, Mario Vargas Llosa, has died today in Lima, surrounded by his family and in peace, his eldest son, Álvaro, also reported in a message, also signed by his brothers Gonzalo and Morgana.
The family did not indicate the time or causes of the death, but the laureate writer had the health cracking since he returned to the Peruvian capital in 2024, after leaving Madrid.
The writer’s health was affected notoriously from 2023, when he was hospitalized in June for having contracted COVID-19 for the second time, while residing in Spain, a country from which he received nationality in 1993.
In April 2022 he had first infected.
Some international media point out that the cause of death was due to a disease that deteriorated their health progressively, but it will be his family that will give the official version.
His departure will be sad to his relatives, his friends and his readers around the world, but we hope they find comfort, like us, in the fact that he enjoyed a long, multiple and fruitful life, the family added in a statement broadcast on social networks.
Natural of Arequipa (Peru), Vargas Llosa was born on March 28, 1936, when his parents – Ernesto Vargas Maldonado and Dora Llosa Ureta – had just separated, so he grew up in Bolivia, where his maternal grandfather was consul.
Lima in the work of Mario Vargas Llosa
Emblematic scenarios:
- Miraflores: Recurring in novels such as The puppies, Aunt Julia and the writer and Mala girl’s vunos.
- The pearl: Military College in The city and dogs.
- Ravine: Scenario in Mayta’s story.
- Historic Center: Appears in Five corners and Paradise in the other corner.
Historical places:
- The cathedral: Fictitious bar Conversation in the cathedrallocated near the Rímac River.
- Casona de San Marcos: Restored with international support, it appears in its narrative as a symbol of university life.
Key moments:
- Iconic question: “When had Peru fucked?” Conversation in the cathedral.
- Lima literary debut: The city and dogs (1963) begins his exploration of Lima as narrative protagonist.
Last work:
- I dedicate my silence (2023): Tour of Lima through Creole music and the memory of Toño Azpilcueta.