A Tribute to the Impressive Legacy of Mario Vargas Llosa: His Connection with China
emotions run high as Vargas Llosa's literary connection with Chinese readers remains significant posthumously
It's a somber day for literature enthusiasts worldwide as we bid farewell to Peruvian author, Mario Vargas Llosa. His untimely demise at 89 left a void in the hearts of millions, with followers like 43-year-old Zhao Xiuying in China mourning his loss. Vargas Llosa, a Nobel laureate, writer, and former presidential candidate of Peru, had touched innumerable lives through his literature.
The news of Vargas Llosa's passing was like a shadow falling upon Zhao's heart. Back in 2011, the Chinese reader unexpectedly learned that the Nobel laureate would be journeying to China for a week. Though details were scant, the visit did take place, and he addressed eager crowds at various events, including the Shanghai International Studies University and the Shanghai Theatre Academy. Ultimately, he even held a reading session of his own works, an event that catered to students, fellow authors, fans, journalists, and more.
Overwhelmed by the passion emanating from the Chinese audience, Vargas Llosa penned an open letter to his readers. He recalled being taken aback by China's "real and immensely powerful" might, comparing it to distant, fantastical lands he'd encountered in adventure stories. Surveying the landscape of Vargas Llosa's literary career, it appears that this fascination with China stretched far beyond the borders of Peru.
Prior to his Chinese visit in 2011, Vargas Llosa's works had already reached Chinese shores. A Chinese publication, Foreign Literature and Art, had introduced the writer's life and works in articles during the late 1970s. Beginning in the 1960s, the Latin American literary boom was in full swing, with Vargas Llosa as one of its central figures. Piquing the curiosity of Chinese readers, "The Time of the Hero" was published in Chinese translation in 1980, the work of renowned Spanish-language translator, Zhao Deming. Regrettably, Deming passed away 10 days prior to Vargas Llosa's passing, according to The Paper.
Despite Deming's departure, Vargas Llosa's Chinese legacy lived on, bolstered by translators like Hou Jian, an associate professor of the Spanish Department at Xi'an International Studies University and a translator of Vargas Llosa's works. In 2019, Hou met with the Peruvian author at his Madrid residence, an encounter facilitated by Vargas Llosa's curiosity about China and its culture. In speaking with one another, they spoke not only about Vargas Llosa's literature, but also his deep interest in Chinese culture and its influence on his work.
A keen observer of social changes in Peru, broader Latin America, Spain, and other nations, Vargas Llosa tackled morally charged taboos while remaining uncompromising in his pursuit of human dignity and justice. The universal values embedded in his works resonated with readers of various cultures. His literary journey symbolized the cultural convergence of our globalized era, a testament to his ability to seamlessly bridge cultural divides.
For young readers like Tang Yi, Vargas Llosa's characters bear a beacon of hope, a trait conspicuously absent from some writers who solely focus on societal critique. In 1997, he shared his writing techniques in "Letters to a Young Novelist," exposing readers to the "Caja China," a storytelling form that brings together multiple narratives. As Tang explained, this technique only bears fruit with an insatiable curiosity towards the world, highlighting Vargas Llosa as a teacher of thoughtful reflection more so than crafting literary masterpieces.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vargas Llosa penned numerous novels, essays, and plays that not only entertained, but also shed light on contemporary issues plaguing his homeland and the international community. His works will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of readers, transcending cultural boundaries and leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.
- Zhao Xiuying, a 43-year-old Chinese reader, expressed her sorrow over the demise of Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa, who she followed.
- Back in 2011, Vargas Llosa visited China and addressed eager crowds, including the Shanghai International Studies University and Shanghai Theatre Academy, and even held a reading session of his own works.
- The Chinese publication, Foreign Literature and Art, introduced Vargas Llosa's life and works in articles during the late 1970s, while his work "The Time of the Hero" was published in Chinese translation in 1980.
- In 2019, Vargas Llosa met with translator and associate professor Hou Jian from Xi'an International Studies University, discussing their shared interest in both literature and Chinese culture.
- Vargas Llosa's characters, as observed by Tang Yi, embody hope and serve as role models for young readers, inspiring them to thoughtfully reflect on the world, rather than solely focusing on societal critique.
