Picture a Peruvian-American storyteller weaving tales of war, migration, and identity with a voice that echoes across borders—meet Daniel Alarcón! This acclaimed author and podcast creator has captivated readers and listeners with his vivid narratives, from the haunting novel Lost City Radio to the groundbreaking Spanish-language podcast Radio Ambulante. With a knack for blending fiction and journalism, Alarcón shines a light on Latin American experiences, making him a vital voice in contemporary literature.
Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Alarcón’s bicultural life fuels his storytelling. His work dances between English and Spanish, fiction and fact, offering a fresh perspective on the ties that bind Spanish-speaking communities. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore how this literary star came to be.
The Making of Daniel Alarcón
Daniel Alarcón was born on March 5, 1977, in Lima, Peru, but moved to Alabama at age three, growing up in a vibrant Peruvian-American household. His early years were shaped by this cultural duality, sparking a curiosity about identity and place. A graduate of Columbia University (BA, 1999) and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop (MFA, 2004), Alarcón honed his craft while teaching in New York City and studying in Ghana. His Peruvian roots and American upbringing gave him a unique lens, which he brought to his early fiction, published in outlets like The New Yorker and Granta.
Alarcón’s career took off with his debut story collection, War by Candlelight (2005), a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award. His ability to capture the raw humanity of Latin American life—often set against political turmoil—set him apart. This foundation paved the way for his novels and his bold leap into audio journalism, where he continues to redefine storytelling.
Daniel Alarcón’s Unforgettable Stories
Alarcón’s fiction is a tapestry of lyrical prose and unflinching realism, often set in unnamed Latin American countries reeling from conflict. His debut novel, Lost City Radio (2007), is a haunting tale of a radio host reading names of the disappeared in a war-torn nation, exploring loss and hope. Translated into over a dozen languages, it was named a Best Novel of the Year by the Washington Post and won the 2009 International Literature Prize in Berlin.
His second novel, At Night We Walk in Circles (2013), follows a theater troupe touring the Andes, unraveling a tragicomic story of art and politics. A finalist for the 2014 PEN/Faulkner Award, it showcases Alarcón’s knack for blending humor with heartbreak. His 2017 story collection, The King Is Always Above the People, a National Book Award finalist, dives into migration and displacement with magical realism. Beyond print, Alarcón co-founded Radio Ambulante in 2012, a Spanish-language podcast distributed by NPR, which tells underreported Latin American stories with narrative flair, earning global acclaim.
Alarcón’s style is immersive, blending investigative depth with poetic storytelling. His works tackle heavy themes—violence, poverty, exile—but always with a thread of resilience, reflecting his belief that stories have no borders. Whether through novels or podcasts, he invites readers and listeners to see Latin America anew.
Why Daniel Alarcón Matters
Daniel Alarcón’s impact lies in his ability to bridge cultures and amplify marginalized voices. His fiction and journalism give depth to Latin American and Latino experiences, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy. Radio Ambulante has revolutionized audio storytelling, mentoring a new generation of Spanish-speaking journalists while reaching millions worldwide. In 2021, Alarcón was named a MacArthur Fellow, praised for chronicling the ties that connect Spanish-speaking communities. His 2022 Maria Moors Cabot Prize further underscores his influence in journalism.
As an associate professor at Columbia University’s Journalism School, Alarcón shapes future storytellers, emphasizing creativity and rigor. His work resonates with readers and listeners who crave authentic, cross-cultural narratives, making him a beacon in global literature.
- Born: March 5, 1977, Lima, Peru
- Key Works: Lost City Radio, At Night We Walk in Circles, The King Is Always Above the People, Radio Ambulante
- Awards: MacArthur Fellowship (2021), Maria Moors Cabot Prize (2022), National Book Award finalist (2017)
Snag Lost City Radio or tune into Radio Ambulante and dive into Daniel Alarcón’s captivating world of stories that cross borders and touch hearts!