Benjamin Alire Sáenz, the first Latino to win the prestigious PEN/Faulkner award, has died at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of work that ensured visibility and belonging among marginalized communities. Sáenz, who passed away on July 28 in El Paso, Texas, after a lengthy illness, was a celebrated writer, poet, and novelist for young adults, drawing upon his own experiences of sexuality and life on the US southern border. His story collection, Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club, won the PEN/Faulkner prize in 2013, cementing his position as a leading voice in American literature.
Sáenz's work often explored themes of identity, love, and social justice, as seen in his acclaimed young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. The book, which tells the story of two Mexican American boys falling in love, received widespread critical acclaim, including a Stonewall book award and the Lambda literary award. However, the novel's depiction of same-sex love also led to its temporary removal from a school district in Granbury, Texas, and bans in Russia and Belarus. Despite these challenges, Sáenz's work continued to inspire and uplift readers, with his words building bridges and fostering a sense of belonging among those who had been pushed to the margins of society.
Playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, who narrated the audio edition of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and helped produce the 2023 film adaptation, paid tribute to Sáenz, describing him as a trusted friend and mentor. "Heartbroken by the passing of Benjamin Alire Sáenz," Miranda wrote on Instagram. "Forever grateful he trusted me to narrate both audiobooks of Aristotle & Dante's adventures … Condolences to his galaxy of friends and family. Rest easy, maestro." Aitch Alberto, the director of the film adaptation, also posted a tribute, describing Sáenz as a friend, believer, and supporter of her work.
Sáenz's passing has sent shockwaves through the literary community, with many mourning the loss of a talented writer and advocate for social justice. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire and uplift readers, with his work remaining a powerful testament to the transformative power of words. Next month, Simon & Schuster will publish Sáenz's final book, When the World Was Happy, which draws upon his own experiences of loss and trauma, including the death of his niece in a bowling alley shooting in 1990. The book is a powerful exploration of how people survive and live through senseless tragedy, and is a fitting tribute to Sáenz's enduring legacy as a writer and advocate for social justice.
