Picture a Chicago-based storyteller who weaves nature’s wild beauty into gripping tales of human struggle—meet Abby Geni! With novels like The Lightkeepers and The Wildlands, plus her evocative short story collections, Geni has carved a unique niche in literary fiction. Her work, blending thriller-like suspense with poetic reflections on the natural world, has earned her a devoted following and prestigious awards.
Born with a passion for storytelling, Geni’s journey from a curious reader to an acclaimed author is as captivating as her prose. Let’s dive into her life, her unforgettable stories, and why she’s a must-read for anyone who loves nature-infused narratives.
The Making of Abby Geni
Abby Geni grew up with a deep connection to the natural world, a theme that pulses through her writing. A graduate of Oberlin College in 2001, she later honed her craft at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, earning an Iowa Fellowship. Her early career saw her short stories published in prestigious journals like The Missouri Review and Ninth Letter, winning accolades such as the Glimmer Train Fiction Open and the Chautauqua Contest. Based in Chicago, Geni balances writing with teaching at StoryStudio Chicago and as a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, inspiring the next generation of writers.
Abby Geni’s Unforgettable Stories
Geni’s debut, The Last Animal (2013), is a short story collection that explores the delicate balance between humans and nature. Stories like “Captivity,” featuring an octopus handler haunted by loss, showcase her ability to blend emotional depth with vivid settings. This collection, an Indies Introduce selection, marked Geni as a rising star.
Her first novel, The Lightkeepers (2016), is a haunting thriller set on the remote Farallon Islands. It follows Miranda, a nature photographer navigating a mysterious, isolated community of scientists. The book won the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award and the Chicago Review of Books Award, praised for its lyrical prose and suspenseful plot. The Wildlands (2018) tackles eco-terrorism and family bonds, following the McCloud siblings after a devastating Oklahoma tornado. Named a best book of 2018 by Kirkus and Buzzfeed, it cements Geni’s knack for high-stakes narratives. Her latest, The Body Farm (2024), is a short story collection delving into the human body’s connection to the world, from Alzheimer’s to the COVID-19 legacy, earning critical acclaim for its empathy and insight.
Geni’s style is a masterclass in blending genres—part literary fiction, part psychological thriller, with a touch of nature writing. Her settings, whether stormy islands or tornado-ravaged plains, feel alive, almost as characters themselves. Themes of isolation, trauma, and humanity’s place in the natural world resonate deeply, making her work both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Abby Geni Matters
Abby Geni’s impact lies in her ability to make readers rethink their relationship with nature and each other. Her stories, translated into seven languages, bridge literary fiction and environmental consciousness, joining the ranks of authors like Barbara Kingsolver. By tackling urgent issues like climate change and ecological loss, she sparks conversations about humanity’s role in a fragile world. Her teaching also shapes aspiring writers, ensuring her influence extends beyond the page.
- Born: Exact date unavailable, based in Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: The Last Animal, The Lightkeepers, The Wildlands, The Body Farm
- Awards: Barnes & Noble Discover Award, Chicago Review of Books Award, Glimmer Train Fiction Open
Ready to get lost in a world where nature and human drama collide? Grab The Lightkeepers or The Wildlands and dive into Abby Geni’s spellbinding storytelling!