Home / Arts and Entertainment / Beloved Author Benjamin Alire Sáenz Dies at 69
Beloved Author Benjamin Alire Sáenz Dies at 69
29 Jul
Summary
- Acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz passed away recently.
- His final novel, 'When the World Was Happy,' will be released posthumously.
- Sáenz was celebrated for 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe'.
Acclaimed Mexican-American author Benjamin Alire Sáenz passed away on Tuesday, July 28, following a lengthy illness. He was 69 years old.
Sáenz, renowned for his beloved works "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" and "Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club," leaves behind a significant literary legacy.
His final novel, "When the World Was Happy," which explores themes of grief following a school shooting, is scheduled for posthumous release on September 29. This poignant work was inspired by Sáenz's personal experience with loss.
Born in New Mexico in 1954, Sáenz's journey to becoming a celebrated author included early financial struggles, studies in theology, and a period as a priest before dedicating himself fully to writing. He earned a master's degree in creative writing and taught at the University of Texas at El Paso until 2016.
His writing career, which began with the poetry collection "Calendar of Dust" in 1991, was marked by a deep commitment to exploring meaningful subjects and connecting with readers emotionally. His YA novel "Aristotle and Dante" garnered numerous awards, including the Pura Belpré Award and Stonewall Book Award.
