Commentary by Mario Vargas Llosa
Mario Vargas Llosa, the recipient of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize in Literature, turned 80 on March 28.
Many of the Peruvian author's works revolve around the Latin culture, or the sense of being macho-alpha, but this isn't the main reason why he's one of the best writers of his generation. One must read his commentaries in "Touchstone", his column in "El PaÃs" from 1992 to 2000. It also appeared in affiliated publications. A selection of his posts were compiled and published as a book; "The Language of Passion", which was translated by Natasha Wimmer, was as good as his novels.
In case you're having second thoughts about it, then take note that the Pulitzer Prizes, which honor the best in newspaper journalism, has one for commentary. William Safire of the New York Times is one of its recipients. Vargas Llosa would've been recognized if he had more works in English, but let's not get into a debate. The native of Arequipa has a career that most of his peers can only wish for. He ventured into politics, where he ran for the highest office in Peru. Who could've been a better political commentator than him?
"Touchstone" revealed his trips to many parts of the world. There have been other travelers who have seen more places, but only a few have keen, perceptive eyes.
A Bourgeois Paradise
"Almost all its great figures - from Rembrandt to van Gogh - have been recognized only posthumously by the rest of Europe after having lived and worked, diligently and without fuss."
Johannes Vermeer would ring a bell to those who have seen the "Girl with a Pearl Earring". It was his masterpiece, even if some would point out that he was renowned for his portraits of the interior of middle-class houses. It brought him moderate success, but he left his family at debt at the time of his death. Some may find it tragic, but Vargas Llosa saw something else.
Vermeer represented what was special about Delft, his hometown, and the Netherlands.
This nation in Northern Europe was a model for a civilized society, its inhabitants in the forefront of handling pressing issues. The Dutch citizens chose not to do it in a grand manner. This came to Vargas Llosa's mind while looking at Vermeer's works. It's hard to tell if the painter will be flattered by such thought.
Night of Abandon
"The Permanent Erection" is about the Rio Carnival, which is held before the Lenten Season. There are other festivals simultaneously staged in other major cities in Brazil, but the festivity in Rio de Janeiro stands out.
It's not the dancing (and singing) in the Sambadrome, where the line between the rich and the poor is blurred. You only need to look at the women in skimpy attire. It's more than having a good time, as the Lent Season follows. The outgoing side of the Latin populace is in full display, but it's the sensual side that everyone notice first. Vargas Llosa is aware of it since he's young.
