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Mario Vargas Llosa, one of the most significant Spanish-American authors in contemporary literature, passed away on April 14, 2025, at the age of 89. He leaves behind a remarkable literary legacy that earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010.

His work spans a wide range of genres, from sharp social criticism to biting humor, and from deep introspection to political analysis. While many readers could create their own personal top 10 of his most essential books, we’ve put together a selection to honor him through his words now that he’s no longer with us.

Below is a list of 10 must-read books by Mario Vargas Llosa, along with a brief description of each and whether they’ve been adapted into films:

1. The Time of the Hero (La ciudad y los perros) (1963)

• Summary: This novel is a sharp critique of Peruvian society and the military’s influence. Set in a military academy, it explores the brutalization of students through a harsh and corrupt system. It touches on themes of power, corruption, and the loss of innocence.

• Film: Yes, adapted into a film in 1985 directed by Francisco J. Lombardi.

2. The Green House (La casa verde) (1966)

• Summary: Set in the jungles of northern Peru, this novel intertwines various stories and characters, focusing on the theme of isolation and the struggle against corruption and violence. The narrative structure is fragmented, and the novel explores the clash of cultures.

• Film: Yes, adapted into a film in 1975, directed by Luis Alcoriza.

3. Conversation in the Cathedral (Conversación en La Catedral) (1969)

• Summary: This novel critiques the political situation in Peru during the 1950s, using a disjointed, non-linear narrative to capture the atmosphere of corruption and repression. It revolves around the conversation between two characters, one of whom seeks answers about the country’s decline.

• Film: There are plans for a film adaptation, though none has been made as of yet.

4. The Feast of the Goat (La Fiesta del Chivo) (2000)

• Summary: A historical novel about the last days of the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. The story is told from multiple perspectives, blending historical fact with fiction. It highlights themes of fear, power, and the psychological impact of dictatorship.

• Film: Yes, adapted into a film in 2005, directed by Luis Llosa.

5. The Bad Girl (Travesuras de la niña mala) (2006)

• Summary: This novel tells the story of a man’s lifelong obsession with a mysterious woman who seems to embody rebellion and danger. It spans several decades and explores themes of love, disillusionment, and the shifting nature of relationships.

• Film: There is no major film adaptation as of now, but there have been rumors about it.

6. Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter (La tía Julia y el escribidor) (1977)

• Summary: This semi-autobiographical novel features a young man in Peru who falls in love with his much older aunt, Julia, while dealing with his passion for writing. The novel blends romance, comedy, and reflections on the role of writers.

• Film: Yes, adapted into a film in 1990, directed by Alejandro Toledo.

7. The War of the End of the World (La guerra del fin del mundo) (1981)

• Summary: Set in the late 19th century, this novel recounts the War of Canudos in Brazil, a failed rebellion against the Brazilian government. It blends historical events with fiction, exploring themes of messianism, violence, and the clash between civilization and barbarism.

• Film: The novel has not been adapted into a film, but there have been talks about a possible adaptation.

8. The Penultimate Dream (El sueño del celoso) (1993)

• Summary: This novel explores themes of jealousy, paranoia, and obsession. It tells the story of a man who becomes obsessed with his wife’s potential infidelity. His jealousy grows as he becomes consumed by the idea that she is unfaithful.

• Film: There is no major film adaptation of this novel.

9. The Feast of the Goat (La Fiesta del Chivo) (2000)

• Summary: A historical novel that depicts the final days of Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, blending history and fiction to explore the psychological and emotional trauma of a nation under tyranny.

• Film: Yes, a film adaptation directed by Luis Llosa was released in 2005.

10. In Praise of the Stepmother (Elogio de la madrastra) (1988)

• Summary: This novel is a provocative and controversial exploration of desire, incest, and family dynamics. It tells the story of a middle-aged man obsessed with his stepmother. The novel addresses themes of sexuality, guilt, and repression.

• Film: There is no film adaptation.

These works showcase Mario Vargas Llosa’s literary talent, his ability to capture the complexities of human emotion, societal structures, and history. Some of them have been turned into films, but his literary influence remains significant regardless of their cinematic adaptations.