Famous Bolivian Writers

Julia Urquidi Illanes was a Bolivian writer known for her work as Chief of Protocol in the office of the mayor of La Paz and as a personal secretary for first ladies of Bolivia. She gained further recognition as the first wife of Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa and as the inspiration for the character Aunt Julia in his novel "Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter." In response to a soap opera adaptation of the novel, she published her memoir titled "Lo que Varguitas no dijo" in 1983.

Juana Manuela Gorriti was an Argentine writer with strong ties to Bolivia and Peru. She served as the First Lady of Bolivia from 1848 to 1855. Gorriti made a significant impact as a novelist with the publication of "La quena" in 1845, challenging societal norms and advocating for freedom, equality, and the empowerment of women. Her dedication to women's issues garnered attention and praise, influencing both women and men, such as Abel Delgado, who discussed the importance of women's participation in law and politics.

Wálter Guevara Arze was a prominent Bolivian statesman, cabinet minister, writer, and diplomat. He held various high-ranking positions throughout his career, including serving as the 54th president of Bolivia on an interim basis in 1979. Guevara was known for his diplomatic skills and leadership abilities, which he demonstrated through his work in international relations and government. He made significant contributions to Bolivian politics and governance, leaving a lasting impact on the country's history and development.

Alfonso Gumucio Dagron is a versatile professional with expertise in writing, filmmaking, journalism, photography, and development communication. He has authored books on film and communication for social change, directed documentaries, and contributed numerous articles to publications worldwide. With experience on five continents, he has worked on social development projects and held positions with prestigious international organizations such as UNICEF, FAO, and UNESCO. Known for his work in child rights, environment, indigenous populations, arts and culture, human rights, community organization, health, and sustainable development, he is a respected figure in the field of development communication.

Adela Zamudio was a prominent Bolivian poet, feminist, and educator who made significant contributions to her country's literary and social landscape. Through her powerful writing under the pen-name Soledad, she advocated for women's rights and equality, becoming a pioneer in Bolivia's feminist movement. Zamudio's work inspired many and played a crucial role in shaping the societal perceptions of women's roles and capabilities. Her impact and legacy continue to be celebrated, with her birthday recognized as a national holiday in Bolivia to honor the contributions of working women.

Edmundo Paz Soldán is a prominent Bolivian writer known for his contributions to the Latin American literary movement McOndo. His work deviates from traditional magical realism to modern realism, often exploring themes with a technological perspective. He has received numerous awards for his writing. Since 1991, he has resided in the United States and has been teaching literature at Cornell University since 1997. His professional career showcases a dedication to exploring contemporary themes through a unique literary lens.

Marcelo Quiroga Santa Cruz was a versatile figure in Bolivian society, excelling in various professional roles. As a writer, dramatist, and journalist, he used his talents to offer social commentary and insight into the political landscape. Additionally, his role as a university professor allowed him to shape the minds of future generations. Marcelo's commitment to socialist principles was reflected in his leadership within the political sphere. His literary achievements, such as winning the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, solidified his reputation as a respected and talented individual in Bolivia.

Jaime Saenz was a prolific Bolivian writer, poet, novelist, journalist, essayist, illustrator, dramaturge, and professor, known for his narrative and poetic works. He spent his life in La Paz, where the city itself became a significant backdrop in his creations. His poetry, often likened to surrealist literature, is highly individualistic. Saenz is considered a key figure in Bolivian literature, with his works shedding light on 20th-century Bolivian culture. His writings have been extensively studied academically and translated into several languages.

Alcides Arguedas Díaz was a prominent Bolivian writer and historian known for his impactful literary work that deeply influenced Bolivian social thought in the early 20th century. He focused on themes such as national identity, miscegenation, and indigenous affairs in his writings. His most renowned work, "Raza de bronce" ("Bronze Race"), published in 1919, is considered a seminal piece in Bolivian literature and a precursor to the indigenism movement. Arguedas' professional life was dedicated to exploring and shedding light on these significant societal issues through his writing.

Julieta Paredes Carvajal is a multifaceted professional known for her contributions as an Aymara Bolivian poet, singer-songwriter, writer, graffiti artist, anarchist, and decolonial feminist activist. In 2003, she founded Mujeres creando comunidad, a project that focuses on community feminism. Through her work, Paredes has been actively involved in advocating for women's rights, promoting social change, and challenging dominant power structures. Her creative expressions through poetry, music, writing, and art have served as powerful tools for activism and raising awareness on important social issues.

Franz Tamayo Solares was a Bolivian intellectual, writer, and politician known for his oratory skills. He was a prominent poet and philosopher who wrote educational treatises and also practiced law, journalism, and diplomacy. Tamayo's racial concepts had a significant impact on Bolivian thought and culture. He believed in the proficiency of Mestizos in both physical and mental labor, influencing Bolivia's politics and national identity. In politics, Tamayo supported the Liberal Party before switching to the opposition Republican Party. He served as Minister of Foreign Relations and won the 1934 presidential elections, which were later annulled.

Fausto Reinaga was a prominent Bolivian indigenous writer and intellectual known for his advocacy for indigenous rights and social justice. He dedicated his professional life to advancing the cause of indigenous peoples, challenging colonial ideologies, and promoting indigenous culture and heritage. Reinaga's works often focused on issues of discrimination, inequality, and oppression faced by indigenous communities in Bolivia and beyond. Through his writings and activism, he played a significant role in raising awareness and bringing attention to the struggles of indigenous peoples in Latin America.

Pedro Shimose Kawamura is a renowned poet, journalist, professor, and essayist from Bolivia. Having been based in Madrid, Spain since 1971, he has established himself as one of Bolivia's most noteworthy poets. With a prolific career spanning various literary genres, Shimose is highly regarded for his contributions to Bolivian literature. His work reflects a deep understanding of poetry and journalism, solidified by his role as a professor, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise to aspiring writers and journalists.

Liliana Colanzi Serrate is a Bolivian writer with a strong academic background in Comparative Literature. She has authored three collections of short stories, which have garnered critical acclaim. Colanzi's work has been recognized internationally, with one of her collections being translated into English. She is also an esteemed educator, teaching at Cornell University. In 2017, she was honored as one of the Bogota39, highlighting her as one of the most promising young writers in Latin America.

Óscar Gonzáles Alfaro, known as Óscar Alfaro, was a Bolivian writer, poet, teacher, and journalist dedicated to children's and youth literature. He studied law at Universidad Mayor de San Simón in Cochabamba, and worked as a Spanish and literature teacher at various educational institutions. Alfaro produced a program for children on Radio Illimani and was part of the literary group Gesta Barbara. He was a member of the Communist Party of Bolivia and his works reflected social concerns and captured Bolivian customs and lifestyles. Alfaro's poems were translated into several languages and some have been set to music.

Diego Aramburo Jordán is a highly acclaimed Bolivian actress, director, and playwright known for her innovative and contemporary approach to theater. As the founder and director of the Kiknteatr company, she has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including 10 Peter Travesí National Theater Awards. Aramburo's unique style combines performing and visual arts, leading to successful collaborations with theaters and independent companies in the Americas and Europe. Her career has been marked by international success and critical acclaim.

Nataniel Aguirre was a prominent figure in Bolivia, known for his multifaceted professional career. He excelled as a lawyer, utilizing his legal expertise to navigate diplomatic and political arenas. Aguirre's literary contributions were highly acclaimed, with his novel "Juan de la Rosa" being recognized as a masterpiece in Spanish American literature by Menéndez y Pelayo. Additionally, Aguirre's work as a historian provided valuable insights into Bolivian history, further solidifying his legacy as a respected writer and intellectual in the 19th century.

Gastón Suárez was a diverse professional, having worked as a railroader, rural teacher, miner, bank employee, truck driver, and journalist. He dedicated himself to writing after quitting his banking job to travel and explore Bolivia. Throughout his career, he wrote numerous short stories, plays, and novels that delved into various aspects of Bolivian life, including urban settings, the country, and the mines. Suárez is recognized for his keen observation of human behavior and his ability to unveil transcendental situations in his works.

Ximena Bedregal Sáez is a multifaceted professional with expertise in architecture, writing, theory, education, editing, photography, and feminist activism. Notably, she founded the Centro de Investigación, Capacitación y Apoyo a la Mujer (CICAM) in Mexico, where she also edited the magazine La Correa Feminista. Through her work, Ximena has made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, feminist theory, and women's empowerment, demonstrating a commitment to advancing social change and promoting gender equality.

Tristán Marof, a Bolivian diplomat, writer, essayist, and journalist, was known for his involvement in labor movements and Marxist-Leninist organizations. He served as the Consul of Bolivia in Europe and played a key role in establishing the Socialist Workers' Party of Bolivia in 1940. Prior to this, he led the Confederation of Bolivian Workers but was expelled from the Revolutionary Workers' Party in 1938. Marof's professional life was marked by his dedication to socialist ideals and his active participation in political and labor activities.

Adolfo Costa du Rels was a prominent Bolivian writer and diplomat, known for his significant contributions to literature and international relations. He served as the last President of the Council of the League of Nations, showcasing his leadership and diplomatic skills on a global platform. Costa du Rels was a prolific author, with a diverse body of work including plays, novels, and other writings, primarily in French. His literary talent was widely recognized through various prestigious awards, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished figure in both literary and diplomatic circles.

Giovanna Rivero is a prominent Bolivian novelist and short story writer known for her contributions to contemporary fiction. Her work is highly regarded within the Latin American Gothic literary movement, showcasing her unique storytelling abilities. Rivero has established herself as one of Bolivia's most successful writers, garnering recognition for her distinct narrative style and compelling storytelling. With a focus on exploring complex themes and engaging readers with her compelling prose, Rivero continues to make a significant impact on the literary landscape.