The Peruvian nation is mourning the loss of Mario Vargas Llosa, a revered figure in its literary landscape. His compatriot, Alfredo Bryce Echenique, expressed this sentiment by describing Vargas Llosa as “the Peruvian of all times” during a statement to local radio station RPP.
Venezuelan journalist and writer Karina Sainz Borgo shared a photo on Instagram with Vargas Llosa, expressing gratitude for his contributions, noting the impact of his works like “The Green House” and his dedication to public causes, calling him “the last of the tribe, master.”
Spanish writer Arturo Pérez-Reverte also bid farewell on Instagram, sharing a photo with Vargas Llosa, the late Javier Marías, and Alfaguara’s editorial director Pilar Reyes, capturing a meeting with Spain’s “three most universal authors.” He commented, “there is always one left to tell the story, though others will eventually narrate it to that last one.”
Pilar Reyes conveyed her appreciation for the author’s expansive vision, stating on social media, “His work and thought will continue to enlighten us.”
Writer Carmen Posadas lauded Vargas Llosa as a continual source of inspiration and a model for commitment to his era, courage in defending ideas, and, above all, love for freedom. She emphasized that his literary brilliance and legacy would endure.
The Gabo Foundation, founded by his friend and literary rival Gabriel García Márquez, mourned Vargas Llosa’s passing, celebrating him as “a master of Spanish narrative and a key figure in Latin American literature.”
The Real Academia Española expressed condolences upon the death of its former active member, acknowledging his contribution to the academy and literature at large.
The Swedish Academy, responsible for the Nobel Prize, commemorated Vargas Llosa, honored in 2010, as a key figure in the ‘boom’ of Latin American literature. They praised his work for its narrative passion, linguistic richness, and genre diversity, ranging from autobiographical books and historical novels to erotic fiction and thrillers.
An announcement on social media reaffirmed the significance of Vargas Llosa’s legacy, highlighting his “extensive work,” which includes over 30 novels alongside plays, essays, literary criticism, and journalism.
The French Academy, which Vargas Llosa joined in 2023 as its first Spanish-language writer, expressed its sorrow at his departure.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and the government lamented the death of what they termed a “universal writer and distinguished Nobel Prize laureate.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez similarly expressed his grief over the loss of the author of “Conversation in the Cathedral,” lauding him as a “universal master of words” who provided “essential books for understanding our times.”
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Vargas Llosa, highlighting his membership in the French Academy and the value of his work, which championed freedom over fanaticism.
The Peruvian football community also mourned Vargas Llosa, known as the “most illustrious fan” of Universitario de Deportes, the reigning national champions. A tribute was paid on social media, accompanied by the phrase “Rest in peace, Don Mario!” and an image of him waving the club’s flag at the Estadio Monumental after receiving his Nobel Prize.
Alianza Lima, Universitario’s classic rival, and the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) used social media to remember the “illustrious Peruvian, Nobel laureate, and football lover.”
Mario Vargas Llosa, a distinguished writer, politician, and academic born on March 28, 1936, in Arequipa, passed away at his Lima residence, where he had lived since 2022, following a storied journey that saw him reside in Europe since the 1990s, as confirmed by his children on social media.
He leaves behind a legacy as a pioneer of realistic novels, with a political and literary biography worthy of one of his finest works.
Relatives of the “Conversation in the Cathedral” and “The Feast of the Goat” author announced plans to adhere to his instructions, which include refraining from public ceremonies in the coming days.
