Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa, who was a prominent figure in Latin American literature for many decades, has passed away at the age of 89 in Lima, Peru. His son announced the news on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow.

In a letter signed by his children, it was mentioned that Vargas Llosa died peacefully, surrounded by his family. The letter also stated that his remains will be cremated and there will not be any public ceremony.

Vargas Llosa was known for his celebrated novels such as “The Time of the Hero” and “Feast of the Goat.” He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010.

His literary career began with the publication of “The Cubs and Other Stories” in 1959, but it was his debut novel “The Time of the Hero” in 1963 that gained him international recognition. The novel’s critique of the Peruvian military led to a thousand copies being burned by military authorities.

Throughout his life, Vargas Llosa was a prolific novelist and essayist, writing about various themes in Peruvian society. He supported free-market conservatism and was an outspoken critic of leftist leaders in Latin America.

Vargas Llosa also had a political career, running for the presidency of Peru in 1990, but was defeated by Alberto Fujimori. Despite his defeat, he continued to write novels and engage in political commentary.

His personal life was marked by marriages and relationships, including his first cousin Patricia Llosa and the former wife of singer Julio Iglesias, Isabel Preysler.

Vargas Llosa leaves behind his children and a legacy of influential works that have impacted Latin American literature.

Source: https://time.com/7277447/mario-vargas-llosa-death-obituary-peru-writer-nobel-prize-literature/