I have had the good fortune of receiving a Fellowship for Dissertation Completion and I am writing my doctoral Theses on the narrative of Mario Vargas Llosa, one of the foremost Latin American contemporary writers. On the Nobel list for decades, Vargas Llosa is one of the leading exponents of the Latin American "Boom" alongside Gabriel García Márquez, Carlos Fuentes and Julio Cortázar.

His work has been translated in 32 languages. An award-winning essayist, novelist and playwright, Vargas Llosa’s novels cover a wide range of genres, from historical and political narratives to novels with lyrical or humorous overtones. He has just been granted the Maria Moors Cabot Prize from Columbia University for his exceptional journalistic achievements. Vargas Llosa is also a recipient of the most prestigious literary award in the Spanish-speaking world, the Premio Cervantes.

a photo of Hedy Habra and Mario Vargas Llosa
Hedy Habra and Mario Vargas Llosa.

I have developed a great interest in Vargas Llosa and have published several refereed articles on some of his novels. I was recently granted an interview from Vargas Llosa in Georgetown where is currently teaching as a Visiting Professor. I was able to discuss several points relevant to my Theses and address specific questions that he graciously answered in detail. This meeting was stimulating and useful for a better understanding of his work. For my doctoral dissertation I have chosen a combined critical approach, which consists in the linking of the function of the visual to the concept of “small worlds” which stem from character’s fantasies. Meeting Mario Vargas Llosa was instrumental in improving the depth and quality of my research and insights on his complex narrative.

Hedy Habra, Doctoral Candidate Spanish Department

For more information please visit:

www.hedyhabra.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Vargas_Llosa (English and other languages)

http://www.clubcultura.com/clubliteratura/clubescritores
/vargasllosa/index.htm

http://www.mvargasllosa.com/ (Vargas Llosa Official Website)

http://www.mvargasllosa.com/distin.htm (Awards and Distinctions)

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