Cuban writer Edmundo Desnoes, author of the novel 'Memorias del subdesarrollo,' passes away

December 7, 2023

The renowned Cuban writer Edmundo Desnoes, known for his iconic novel "Memorias del subdesarrollo" which inspired the film of the same name, has passed away at the age of 93 in the United States, according to information provided by the Hannah Arendt International Institute of Artivism through its social networks.

"With great sorrow, we have received the news of the death of Edmundo Desnoes. With the pride of knowing him as one of the finest writers of his generation, whose most recognized novel served as the screenplay for one of the most important films of Cuban cinema, INSTAR bids farewell with respect and deep admiration," they said.

Born in Havana on October 2, 1930, Desnoes stood out as a multifaceted writer, venturing not only into literature but also into art criticism and teaching.

His work "Memorias del subdesarrollo" (1966) was a literary milestone that transcended borders and was translated into several languages.

During his exile in New York since 1979, he continued his literary work, exploring diverse genres and writing essays, stories and poetry. His works include titles such as "El cataclismo" (1965), "Guianí, indio agricultor" (1964), "Lam: azul y negro" (1963) and "Para verte mejor, América Latina" (1972).

Desnoes returned to Cuba in 2003 after 22 years of absence to participate as a judge in the Casa de las Américas Literary Prize, and on various occasions expressed his critical points of view on the political and social situation in his country.