Mario Vargas Llosa, Nobel laureate, dies at 89

Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa, the Nobel Prize laureate and a central figure of the Latin American Boom, died peacefully at the age of 89 in Lima, surrounded by family. His son Álvaro Vargas Llosa confirmed that his father passed away "at peace" after a long, adventurous, and fruitful life that left an immense literary legacy.

Over a prolific career exceeding 50 years, Vargas Llosa authored a wide array of novels, short stories, essays, and plays that have been translated into multiple languages, significantly influencing generations of writers and readers worldwide. His notable works include The Time of the Hero, Conversation in the Cathedral, The Green House, The Feast of the Goat, and The Bad Girl, among others. His debut, The Time of the Hero, published in 1963, shocked Peru with its portrayal of corruption and tragedy at a military academy.

Beyond literature, Vargas Llosa was known for his political engagements, including a presidential campaign in 1990 and vigorous participation in debates about national reforms and global politics. Once a crime reporter at 15, he later pursued journalism, teaching, and even hosted a television chat show. His involvement in politics extended to opposing nationalization policies and taking a stand on international issues like media manipulation and political populism, even endorsing Jair Bolsonaro over Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil's elections.

Despite a celebrated international profile, Vargas Llosa maintained a deep commitment to his craft. Even after receiving the Nobel Prize in 2010, which he described with mixed emotions, he continued exploring new literary themes. In 2023, he announced his forthcoming novel Le dedico mi silencio would be his last, acknowledging that his best adventures were always in literature rather than politics.

His passing marks the end of an era for Latin American letters, leaving behind a body of work and a legacy that will endure in global cultural history.