Picture a Seattle-born storyteller who weaves tales of family curses, time loops, and existential musings—meet Adrienne Celt! Now calling Tucson home, this author and cartoonist burst onto the literary scene with her award-winning debut novel, The Daughters, and hasn’t slowed down since. With a knack for blending myth, humor, and heart, Celt’s work captivates readers and critics alike.
The Making of Adrienne Celt
Born in Seattle, Washington, Adrienne Celt grew up with a love for stories and the ocean, influences that ripple through her work. She studied philosophy and Russian at Grinnell College, even spending time in Russia, which sparked her fascination with complex narratives. After a stint in Google’s advertising world, Celt’s inner voice demanded she write. She earned an MFA from Arizona State University, where her debut novel took shape, launching her into the literary spotlight.
Adrienne Celt’s Unforgettable Stories
Celt’s debut, The Daughters (2015), is a mesmerizing tale of motherhood and Polish mythology, weaving the rusalka legend into a family saga. It snagged the 2015 PEN Southwest Book Award and NPR’s Best Book of the Year nod. Her second novel, Invitation to a Bonfire (2018), channels a Nabokov-inspired love triangle set against the Russian Revolution, earning praise as a Financial Times Best Book. End of the World House (2022) tackles a time loop in a near-apocalyptic Paris, blending wit and existential dread. Celt’s comics, like Apocalypse How? An Existential Bestiary, and her weekly webcomic Love Among the Lampreys, showcase her playful, introspective style.
Her writing dances between genres—literary fiction, historical drama, and speculative twists—often exploring identity, relationships, and the messy beauty of human connection. Whether through lush prose or quirky cartoons, Celt’s voice is uniquely hers, inviting readers into worlds both familiar and fantastical.
Why Adrienne Celt Matters
Adrienne Celt’s work resonates because it dares to ask big questions: How do we navigate love, loss, and time? Her stories, rich with cultural and mythical layers, speak to readers craving depth with a side of humor. Awards like the O. Henry Prize and residencies at Ragdale and Willapa Bay AiR underscore her influence. As her novel Invitation to a Bonfire heads to TV via AMC, Celt’s star continues to rise, proving she’s a storyteller to watch.
About Adrienne Celt
- Born: Seattle, Washington
- Key Works: The Daughters, Invitation to a Bonfire, End of the World House, Apocalypse How?
- Awards: 2015 PEN Southwest Book Award, 2016 O. Henry Prize, Glenna Luschei Award
- Fun Fact: Runs the weekly webcomic Love Among the Lampreys
Snag The Daughters or dive into Celt’s comics for a dose of her myth-infused, heartfelt storytelling!