The writer points out that the most important consequence of literature is that it makes citizens "deeply critical of society as it stands."

This Monday, Mario Vargas Llosa (Arequipa, Peru, 84 years old) received the Francisco Umbral Prize for Book of the Year 2019, ‘Tiempos Recios’ (Hard Times) published by Alfaguara, after several postponements due to the pandemic.  In a ceremony, transmitted by video from the Royal Post Office, the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the board and jury of the Francisco Umbral Foundation, and the Mayor of Majadahonda, José Luis Álvarez Ustarroz, handed the award to the Nobel winner writer.

Vargas Llosa spoke about the role of literature in society and spoke with EL PAÍS journalist. Juan Cruz, about issues such as the place that Madrid holds in the author's life, freedom within his work and, mainly, the origins and objectives of his latest novel.

Read more: EL PAIS