Bestselling Author Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Who Famously Penned “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”, Dies at 71

Benjamin Alire Sáenz, the acclaimed author known for his poignant storytelling and exploration of identity, passed away on 28 July, as confirmed by his publisher, Simon & Schuster. Although details surrounding his death remain sparse, reports indicate that he had been grappling with a prolonged illness in the lead-up to his passing.

Sáenz was a prominent figure in contemporary literature, best remembered for his groundbreaking works, including “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” and the short story collection “Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club.” His creations often resonated deeply with audiences, particularly youth and those from marginalized backgrounds.

His latest novel, “When the World Was Happy,” is set to be released posthumously on 29 September. This book delves into the tumultuous lives of twins whose existence is violently disrupted following a school shooting—a narrative inspired by Sáenz’s own experiences of profound grief after the tragic loss of his niece in a violent incident at a bowling alley.

In a heartfelt author’s note accompanying the upcoming release, Sáenz reflected on the calling that compelled him to write. “I’ve always believed that I don’t choose the books that I write. They choose me,” he stated. He articulated how writing had become a form of love for him, emphasising, “I want to write about things that matter… Writing taught me to love people.”

Born on 16 August 1954 in Old Picacho, New Mexico, Sáenz was the fourth of seven children raised on a modest farm. Growing up amid financial difficulties, his family lost their property, which necessitated him to undertake various jobs to help support them. Following his high school education, he earned a degree from St. Thomas Seminary in Denver before moving to Belgium to study theology at the University of Louvain.

Sáenz’s career took a significant turn when he relocated to El Paso, Texas, to serve as a priest. However, he found himself increasingly drawn to the craft of writing. In 1985, he left the priesthood to pursue his passion further and secured a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1987. His contributions to the field of creative writing extended beyond his own works; he taught and was chair of the creative writing department at his alma mater until his retirement in 2016.

Sáenz’s personal life was marked by both challenges and transformation. He married Patricia Macias in the early 1990s, but after over a decade, they divorced. In an interview from 2021, he openly discussed his struggles with addiction and his journey of coming out as gay, experiences that undoubtedly influenced his writing and perspectives.

Throughout his career, Sáenz published numerous acclaimed works, including the 1995 novel “Carry Me Like Water” and the 2006 novel “Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood.” His artistic range also encompassed poetry, with collections such as “Dark and Perfect Angels” and “Dreaming the End of the War.” Despite the array of themes explored in his writing, his ability to capture the essence of human connection and cultural identity remained a constant through line in his oeuvre.

In 2012, Sáenz released “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” a coming-of-age tale that follows two Mexican-American teenagers navigating the complexities of friendship and identity in 1987 El Paso. The novel achieved critical acclaim, winning several prestigious awards, such as the Pura Belpré Award and the Stonewall Book Award, cementing his place as a significant voice in young adult literature.

He later furthered the story of Aristotle and Dante with a sequel titled “Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World” in 2021. His short story collection “Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club” (2013) also garnered accolades, including the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, making him the first Latino and the second gay writer to receive the honour.

As readers and fans await the release of “When the World Was Happy,” the literary community mourns the passing of a remarkable voice whose impact will continue to resonate through his powerful narratives. Additionally, a children’s book titled “Grandma Fina’s Wonderful Umbrella,” illustrated by Raúl the Third, is also scheduled for release on the same date.