Alejo Carpentier

Alejo Carpentier y Valmont

["Novelist", "Musicologist", "Pioneer of Lo Real Maravilloso"]

Born Dec 26, 1904

Lausanne, Switzerland (raised in Havana)

Passed Away Apr 24, 1980 Paris, France

Lifespan 75 years old

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Notice / Correction

"The marvelous begins to be unmistakably marvelous when it arises from an unexpected alteration of reality, a miracle."

Archival Overview

Cuban novelist and musicologist who conceptualized 'lo real maravilloso' (the marvelous real), authoring The Kingdom of This World and Explosion in a Cathedral.

Biographical Record

Raised in Havana by a French architect and Russian teacher, Alejo Carpentier (1904–1980) blended baroque European erudition with Afro-Cuban mythology and Haitian revolutionary history. In his 1949 prologue to 'El reino de este mundo' ('The Kingdom of This World'), he formulated 'lo real maravilloso'—arguing that magic is an inherent reality of Latin American history.

His novels 'Los pasos perdidos' (1953) and 'El siglo de las luces' (1962) redefined historical fiction. Following the Cuban Revolution, Carpentier served as cultural counselor to Paris and won the 1977 Cervantes Prize.

Key Life Milestones

1949

Concept of 'Lo Real Maravilloso'

Formulated the Marvelous Real in 'The Kingdom of This World', sparking Latin American magic realism.

1977

Cervantes Prize

Became the first Cuban recipient of the prestigious Miguel de Cervantes Prize in Spain.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Colon Cemetery
Havana, Cuba

                         GPS: 23.1236, -82.4003                    

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