Peru, an amazing country with a rich history, has produced some of the best authors of the century. While there are hundreds of brilliant authors from this country, we’ve narrowed down our favorite four below. Their work ranges from sharp journalistic writing to terrifying thrillers, and we know that everybody can find a new favorite read from their portfolios.
Gabriela Wiener
A modern Peruvian writer and journalist, Gabriela Wiener writes everything from poetry to stories to essays, and luckily for us, her work has been translated into a variety of languages, including English. Her novel Sexographies follows Wiener as she explores topics ranging from dangerous prisons to the lives of sex workers, creating a deep dive of the intricacies of daily life for the people who surround her. The book is an impressive display of journalism and storytelling, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
Ricardo Palma
A far older author, Ricardo Palma published his most famous novel, Tradiciones peruanas (Peruvian Traditions), in 1872. The book of folklore explores the world of colonial Peru and draws from traditional tales and folklore from Peru combined with historical facts. Volumes of this book were published up until 1910, and some are published in English. His work provides a rich dive into Peruvian culture and is well worth a read for anybody interested in Latin American literature.
Mario Vargas Llosa
Considered to be one of the most important Latin American authors ever, Mario Vargas Llosa won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010. His works include The Time of the Hero and La ciudad y los perros (The City and the Dogs). He is known for exploring how power is structured and how people resist oppression. Much of his work draws on his own political career and friendships. He published as recently as 2019, and we hope to see more from him in the future!
Jennifer Thorndike
Born in Lima, Peru, Jennifer Thorndike has written two novels and two collections of short stories, as well as writing for various anthologies. Much of her work has been translated to English, including Esa muerte existe (This Death Does Exist), a thriller about a woman who has been convicted of murdering her sister and what she reveals while on death row. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time and is a fantastic read!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this wrap-up of our favorite Peruvian authors! There are true gems to be found in their writing, and we’re keeping an eye out for new work from Peru.
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