Captivating a classroom full of university students with pure literature, leaving a lasting impression on both young and seasoned audiences with his elegance, decency, and unwavering passion for teaching, and spending years delving into vast volumes of Latin American narratives to later weave together rich anthologies characterized by their content, diversity, and critical framework...
These achievements and many more define the legacy of professor and essayist Emmanuel Tornés Reyes (1948-2026), who has recently passed away in Havana, as reported by the Cuban Institute of the Book (ICL) and echoed by various official media outlets.
Born in Manzanillo, Granma, Tornés held a degree in Spanish Education from the Enrique José Varona Higher Pedagogical Institute and in Hispanic Language and Literature from the University of Havana. He also earned his doctorate in Philological Sciences at the latter institution.
From 1979 to 1990, Tornés served as a researcher at the Literary Research Center of Casa de las Américas and as editor-in-chief of its namesake magazine. Later, he worked at the Provincial Center for Books and Literature in Havana, and from 1994, he dedicated himself as a senior researcher at the Institute of Literature and Linguistics.
A specialist in both the Boom and Post-Boom periods of Latin American Literature, Tornés authored significant works such as "What is the Post-Boom?" and "Manuel Rojas: Critical Studies," along with story anthologies like "Between the Pores and the Stars," "Rainbow of Dreams," "The Ocean in a Fish," and "Telling is a Pleasure."
Regarding the title of the latter, he once remarked in an interview, “For me, reading is truly an act of the most extraordinary pleasure. I say it is my second life, the freest territory a human being possesses.”
He was a member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba, the ICL's Ateneo of Theory and Criticism, and the Economic Society of Friends of the Country. His prolific work earned him numerous accolades, including the Literary Research Award from the Academy of Sciences of Cuba and the Alejo Carpentier Prize 2025 in the Essay category, as detailed in the official note.
Writers, journalists, researchers, and literature enthusiasts, including dozens of his former students from various generations, have expressed their sorrow over this sad news on social media.
“An illustrious native of Manzanillo, a true Cuban with a holistic view of Literature. A passionate writer, professor, and researcher. A very noble person with a very refined sense of humor. His legacy will grow even more as his person and work are studied in universities and other educational institutions,” highlighted writer José Antonio Martínez Coronel on the ICL’s FB profile.
In the same space, film critic and professor Rafael Grillo noted, “I learned so much from him, and he was also a person of incredible decency and civility.”
The ICL's note did not specify the causes of his passing or details of the funeral arrangements.
Heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and students.
Legacy of Emmanuel Tornés Reyes
What fields did Emmanuel Tornés Reyes specialize in?
Emmanuel Tornés Reyes specialized in Latin American Literature, particularly the Boom and Post-Boom periods.
What roles did Tornés hold during his career?
He served as a researcher at the Literary Research Center of Casa de las Américas, editor-in-chief of its magazine, and a senior researcher at the Institute of Literature and Linguistics.
What notable works did Tornés publish?
Tornés published works like "What is the Post-Boom?", "Manuel Rojas: Critical Studies," and anthologies such as "Between the Pores and the Stars" and "Telling is a Pleasure."