Los Genios Explores How One Punch Fragmented A Literary Friendship

The 1960s and 1970s saw a creative burst of literature from Latin America. During that span, young authors from the region pushed the boundaries of writing and gained global recognition.

Two of the biggest authors of the era were Gabriel García Márquez and Mario Vargas Llosa. Both authors have won a Nobel Prize among other awards in literature, and continue to have millions of readers around the world to this day.

At one point in time, Márquez and Llosa were good friends. They were neighbors that bonded over their shared love of literature, they were fans of each other’s work and shared coffee and walks each afternoon.

Together they achieved greatness, each cementing themselves among the greatest literary minds of all-time. It seemed that the two would remain friends for decades to come. That is until Llosa knocked Márquez out with a punch to the face.

Why?

Legendary Peruvian author Jaime Bayly, decided to investigate that question in his latest novel Los Genios. The book is composed of interviews and secrets that Bayly gained using his status in the Latin American literary scene. Readers get to meet the publishers, editors, and friends of these geniuses, causing the book to feel very intimate. So intimate, that Bayly even got Llosa to write the introduction.

Something that stuck out to me in Los Genios is that it starts and ends with the punch. The choice felt very creative and it highlights how impactful the event was. 

The novel is a chance to get up close and personal with two of the greatest literary minds in Latin America, making it a must read for literature lovers. 

Los Genios can be purchased at Barnes and Noble, Target, and Amazon, as well as Miami’s largest independent bookstore Books and Books. Currently, the book is only available in Spanish.