Nobel Laureate in Literature Mario Vargas Llosa has passed away at the age of 89. He died peacefully on Sunday (April 13) in Lima, the capital of Peru. The celebrated author’s family confirmed the news through a statement on social media platform X.
This information was also reported in separate articles by news agencies Reuters and AFP on Monday (April 14).
Vargas Llosa’s death marks the end of the golden generation of Latin American literature, as he was the last surviving member of that era.
In a statement, his eldest son Álvaro wrote, “With deep sorrow, we announce that our father, Mario Vargas Llosa, passed away peacefully today in Lima, surrounded by family.”
According to AFP, Vargas Llosa had been away from the public eye in recent months, sparking rumors about his declining health. In October of last year, his son had mentioned that his father was approaching his 90th birthday.
Born into a middle-class Peruvian family, Vargas Llosa emerged as one of the key figures in the Latin American literary boom during the 1960s and 1970s.
The family expressed that his death would sadden relatives, friends, and readers around the world. However, they also hoped that people would find comfort, as they have, in knowing that he lived a long, bold, and fruitful life, leaving behind a body of work that will keep his memory alive.
As per his final wishes, there will be no public ceremony. The family has stated that his body will be cremated according to his instructions.
