Peru mourns Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, who passed away at 89. A national day of mourning was observed, with tributes worldwide. The author is celebrated for his significant contributions to literature and will be cremated privately as per his wishes.
On Monday, Peru honored the late literary icon Mario Vargas Llosa, observing a national day of mourning. The flag was flown at half-staff as tributes and wreaths from across the globe flowed in. President Dina Boluarte attended a private wake at Vargas Llosa’s family home, where the novelist and Nobel laureate passed away at the age of 89.
Renowned for his influential works, including “Conversación en la catedral” and “La guerra del fin del mundo,” Vargas Llosa will be cremated in an intimate ceremony. His family home in Barranco, Lima, was adorned with white floral wreaths. Admirers gathered to pay their respects, some moved to tears at the loss of such a literary figure.
Artist David Marreros expressed, “His passing will mark a before and after in the history of world literature,” indicating the widespread impact Vargas Llosa had on literature. Philosopher Gustavo Ruiz, fondly recalled the author’s influence, stating, “Literature saved my life.”
The Nobel Prize committee recognized Vargas Llosa as “a significant figure in Latin American literature and culture,” highlighting his 2010 Nobel Prize in Literature for his exploration of power structures and the individual’s struggle.
During the wake, Boluarte was received by Vargas Llosa’s son Alvaro, who conveyed gratitude for the outpouring of affection and condolences from Peruvians and beyond in their time of mourning. The cause of the author’s death was not disclosed; however, he had experienced health issues in recent months.
Public institutions, military barracks, and municipalities in Lima all honored the national mourning decreed by the government. Bookstores prominently showcased Vargas Llosa’s works, offering discounts in his honor. Additionally, cadets at Leoncio Prado Military School formed human lines to spell out the writer’s initials.
Vargas Llosa, born into a middle-class family, was a distinguished figure in the Latin American literary “boom,” alongside contemporaries such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Julio Cortazar. Having celebrated his 89th birthday on March 28, he had recently lived out of the public eye. President Boluarte acknowledged his “intellectual genius and enormous body of work,” deeming it a lasting legacy.
Internationally, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Vargas Llosa’s stature as a “great writer,” with Chilean leader Gabriel Boric commending his poignant exploration of Latin America through nuanced prose. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez referred to him as a “universal master of the word” for his literature’s significance in understanding modern society. Vargas Llosa’s works, translated into approximately 30 languages, leave an indelible mark on global literature. His family has decided against a public memorial, respecting the author’s personal wishes.
In sum, the passing of Mario Vargas Llosa marks a profound loss for the literary community in Peru and worldwide. His legacy is cemented through his impactful writings and the tribute from nations and individuals reflecting on his influence. As the world recollects his contributions, it acknowledges the significant void left by this literary giant, whose works will surely resonate through generations to come.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
