Fernando Ampuero

Fernando Ampuero[1†]

Fernando Pedro Ampuero del Bosque (b. July 13, 1949, Lima, Peru) is a versatile figure renowned for his work as a journalist, writer, poet, playwright, and scriptwriter. Educated in Lima, he held various editorial roles and was recognized for his investigative journalism. Ampuero's literary journey began during a backpacking trip, leading to his debut collection "Paren el mundo que acá me bajo" (1972). His notable works include "Caramelo verde" (1992) and "Hasta que me orinen los perros" (2008), forming the "Cuarteto de Lima." Awarded the 2018 Premio FIL Lima de Literatura, his impact extends globally with translations of his works into multiple languages[1†][2†][3†].

Early Years and Education

Fernando Ampuero was born on July 13, 1949, in Lima, Peru[2†]. His early life and education were rooted in Lima, where he attended the Colegio de la Inmaculada and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú[2†]. Unfortunately, there is not much publicly available information about his family or cultural background during his early years.

Ampuero’s literary journey began during a long backpacking trip, which included a stay in the Galápagos Islands[2†]. This experience likely played a significant role in shaping his worldview and influencing his literary style. His first book, a collection of stories titled “Paren el mundo que acá me bajo,” was published in 1972[2†][4†], marking the beginning of his prolific writing career.

First Publication of His Main Works

Fernando Ampuero’s literary journey is marked by a diverse range of works, each contributing uniquely to the landscape of Peruvian literature. Here are some of his main works along with their first year of publication:

• “Caramelo Verde” (Green Candy): Published in 1992, this novel is one of Ampuero’s most recognized works[5†][3†].
• “Puta Linda” (Pretty Whore): This novel, published in 2006, is another significant contribution to Ampuero’s literary portfolio[5†][3†].
• “Hasta Que Me Orinen Los Perros” (Until The Dogs Piss On Me): Published in 2008, this novel adds to the diversity of Ampuero’s literary works[5†][3†].
• “Loreto”: This novel was published in 2014 and is part of Ampuero’s “Cuarteto de Lima” (Lima Quartet)[5†][3†].
• “El Peruano Imperfecto” (The Imperfect Peruvian): Published in 2011, this work further showcases Ampuero’s versatility as a writer[5†][3†].
• “Sucedió Entre Dos Párpados” (It Happened Between Two Eyelids): This work, published in an unknown year, is another testament to Ampuero’s literary prowess[5†][3†].

Ampuero’s works have been translated into many languages, and his novels and short stories have garnered him recognition in the literary world[5†][3†]. His unique storytelling style and his ability to capture the essence of human experiences have made his works resonate with readers worldwide[5†][3†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Fernando Ampuero’s work is characterized by its diversity and depth, covering a wide range of genres including novels, short stories, poetry, and theater[2†]. His writing style is unique, and he has a knack for capturing the essence of human experiences in his works[2†].

Ampuero’s novels, such as “Caramelo Verde” (Green Candy), “Puta Linda” (Pretty Whore), “Hasta Que Me Orinen Los Perros” (Until The Dogs Piss On Me), and “Loreto”, are significant contributions to Peruvian literature[2†]. These works showcase Ampuero’s versatility as a writer and his ability to weave complex narratives that resonate with readers[2†].

His short story collections, including “Paren El Mundo Que Acá Me Bajo” (Stop The World, I’m Getting Off Here), “Deliremos Juntos” (Let’s Rave Together), “Malos Modales” (Bad Manners), “Bicho Raro” (Weirdo), and “Mujeres Difíciles, Hombres Benditos” (Difficult Women, Blessed Men), further demonstrate his storytelling prowess[2†]. These collections present a variety of themes and narratives, reflecting Ampuero’s keen observation of human nature and society[2†].

Ampuero’s work has been translated into many languages, and he was awarded the 2018 Premio FIL Lima de Literatura, attesting to his influence and impact on Latin American literature[2†].

In conclusion, Fernando Ampuero’s work is a significant contribution to Peruvian and Latin American literature. His unique storytelling style, combined with his ability to capture the complexities of human experiences, makes his work resonate with readers worldwide[2†].

Personal Life

Fernando Ampuero, a native of Lima, Peru, was born in 1949[2†]. Despite his prominence in the public sphere as an author, journalist, and playwright, details about Ampuero’s personal life are not widely available in the public domain. This could be attributed to his preference for maintaining a degree of privacy outside his professional life[2†].

It’s important to note that while Ampuero’s work often explores complex human experiences and societal dynamics, these narratives are not necessarily reflective of his personal life[2†][6†][2†]. His writings are characterized by their depth and diversity, offering a broad spectrum of human experiences and emotions[2†][6†][2†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Fernando Ampuero’s literary work has left a significant impact on Peruvian literature and beyond[2†]. His diverse body of work, which includes novels, short stories, poetry, and plays, has been translated into many languages, reaching a global audience[2†]. His unique storytelling style, characterized by its depth and diversity, has been widely appreciated for its exploration of complex human experiences and societal dynamics[2†][6†][2†].

Ampuero’s work has not only enriched the literary landscape but also sparked critical discussions about societal issues. His narratives often present a critical view of society, challenging conventional norms and expectations[2†][6†][2†]. This aspect of his work has contributed to its enduring relevance and influence[2†][6†][2†].

In recognition of his contributions to literature, Ampuero was awarded the 2018 Premio FIL Lima de Literatura[2†]. This accolade is a testament to his significant role in shaping contemporary literature and his enduring influence on future generations of writers[2†].

Ampuero’s legacy continues to inspire and influence, underscoring the power of literature to reflect and shape our understanding of the world[2†][6†][2†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Fernando Pedro Ampuero del Bosque[3†].
• Born: July 13, 1949, Lima, Peru[3†].
• Nationality: Peruvian[3†].
• Occupation: Journalist, writer, poet, playwright, and screenwriter[3†][2†][3†].
• Notable Works: His literary work includes the novels “Caramelo verde” (Green candy) (1992), “Puta linda” (Pretty whore) (2006), “Hasta que me orinen los perros” (Until the dogs piss on me) (2008), and “Loreto” (2014), which together form his “Cuarteto de Lima” (Lima quartet) (2019)[3†][2†]. His other works include “El peruano imperfecto” (The imperfect Peruvian) (2011) and “Sucedió entre dos párpados” (It happened between two eyelids) (2015), as well as several collections of short stories[3†][2†].
• Notable Achievements: His work has been translated into many languages, and he was awarded the 2018 Premio FIL Lima de Literatura[3†][2†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (Spanish) - Fernando Ampuero [website] - link
2. Latin American Literature Today - Fernando Ampuero [website] - link
3. Goodreads - Author: Fernando Ampuero (Author of Caramelo Verde) [website] - link
4. Words Without Borders - First Read—From "Cockfight" by María Fernanda Ampuero [website] - link
5. Goodreads - Author: Books by Fernando Ampuero (Author of Caramelo Verde) [website] - link
6. Words Without Borders - Family Life is Just Another Name for Tragedy in María Fernanda Ampuero’s "Cockfight" [website] - link