The literary world has lost one of its most revered voices with the passing of Mario Vargas Llosa, the celebrated Peruvian author and Nobel laureate, who died at the age of 89 in Lima, Peru.
Surrounded by family and at peace, Mario leaves behind a profound legacy that has reshaped global literature.
His son, Álvaro Vargas Llosa, a notable political commentator, broke the news on social media, expressing sorrow at their loss while celebrating his father's remarkable life.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our father, Mario Vargas Llosa, passed away peacefully in Lima today, surrounded by his family,” he wrote.
“His departure will sadden his relatives, his friends, and his readers around the world, but we hope they will find comfort, as we do, in the fact that he enjoyed a long, adventurous, and fruitful life, and leaves behind a body of work that will outlive him.”
It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our father, Mario Vargas LLosa, passed away peacefully in Lima today, surrounded by his family.@morganavll pic.twitter.com/c6HgEfyaIe
— Álvaro Vargas Llosa (@AlvaroVargasLl) April 14, 2025
Mario’s literary journey began in 1963 with his debut novel, "The Time of the Hero”.
However, it was his second work, "The Green House”, that catapulted him to international acclaim, positioning him as a leading figure in the Latin American literary boom of the 20th century.
In 2010, his contributions to literature were further recognised when he won the Nobel Prize for works such as "Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter”, "Death in the Andes”, and "The War of the End of the World”.
Mario’s literary prowess was not only in his storytelling but also in his incisive critiques of society.
Alongside contemporary Gabriel García Márquez, he delved into complex themes of race, authoritarianism, displacement, and sexuality, providing readers with a mirror to societal truths.
A passionate advocate for democracy and social justice, he famously ran for the presidency of Peru in 1990, melding his political aspirations with literary pursuits.
His passionate belief that literature could combat oppression marked him as both a thinker and a doer.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe as the news of his death reverberates through the literary community.
Fellow writers and admirers have shared their profound respect for Mario's impact. Bianca Jagger noted on social media, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Mario Vargas Llosa."
"He was a towering figure of Latin American literature and one of the most powerful political voices. He will be greatly missed.”
Sorrowful reflections continue with Johan Norberg, a Swedish author and historian, stating, “Through his work and the influence he had on so many of us, he remains immortal.”
Giacomo Renato Longato echoed similar sentiments: “My heartfelt condolences to the Vargas Llosa family. Interestingly, while organising my library today, I was browsing through several of his books.”
"As we reflect on his monumental contributions, it is essential to remember some of his resonant thoughts on writing and life."
Mario once stated, “You cannot teach creativity - how to become a good writer. But you can help a young writer discover within himself what kind of writer he would like to be.”
His insights remind us of the personal journey inherent in creative expression.
As the literary community mourns, Mario leaves behind a treasure trove of essays, novels, and plays that continue to challenge and inspire readers across generations.
His works, with their intricate narratives and compelling themes, ensure that his spirit will live on in the pages of books for many years to come.