Dominican writer and scholar Manuel Mora Serrano passed away in Santo Domingo at the age of 90 after health problems, family members confirmed. His death marks the end of a long, influential career in Dominican letters, where he was known as a multifaceted figure—poet, short story writer, essayist, educator, and diligent literary researcher who shaped generations of readers and students.
Throughout his career, Mora Serrano drew attention for his versatility and commitment to Dominican literature. He authored novels and narratives, but his influence extended beyond fiction into essays and critical studies that explored the country’s literary landscape with clarity and insight. His published works include titles such as The Game of Dominoes, Goeíza, The Day God Heard the Poor, The Price of Enthusiasm, and The Poetic Anthology of Domingo Moreno Jimenes, among others. These writings reflect a deep engagement with culture, history, and the social fabric of the Dominican Republic, inviting readers to reconsider familiar stories through a keen, scholarly lens.
Reaction to his passing came from cultural authorities and colleagues who highlighted Mora Serrano’s invaluable contributions to national culture. Milagros German, the Minister of Culture, expressed profound sadness and acknowledged the lasting impact of Mora Serrano on the country’s literary development. He remarked that Mora Serrano’s life and work brought honor to the nation, and his contributions will be remembered as a cornerstone of Dominican literary heritage. In a statement, German noted that the writer was a towering presence in Dominican letters and that his departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill in the cultural landscape.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to national literature, Mora Serrano received the National Literature Award in 2021, a joint honor from the Ministry of Culture and the Corripio Foundation. This accolade celebrated his significant role in advancing Dominican literary traditions and his enduring influence on writers, scholars, and readers alike. The award highlighted his commitment to enriching the nation’s cultural fabric and his ability to connect local narratives with broader literary conversations.
The Dominican Academy of Arts and Entertainment Journalists (adopa) issued a statement expressing sorrow over Mora Serrano’s death, underscoring his valuable contributions to the cultural development of the Dominican Republic. The academy stressed that his work deserved lasting glory and recognition for its role in shaping the country’s cultural memory. Adopa’s reflection affirmed that Mora Serrano’s extraordinary contributions to literature will keep his memory alive for future generations, inspiring ongoing dialogue about Dominican literary identity and its place in the wider Caribbean and world.” [Attribution: Ministry of Culture; Corripio Foundation; adopa]