Picture a New York storyteller who weaves tales of race, love, and modern life with a sharp, witty edge—meet Alejandro Varela! This National Book Award finalist has captured hearts with his bold narratives that blend public health insights with literary flair, making him a standout in contemporary American fiction.
Born in 1979, Varela’s journey from public health expert to celebrated author is as compelling as his stories. His works, like the acclaimed The Town of Babylon, tackle complex themes with humor and heart, inviting readers into worlds both familiar and profound.
The Making of Alejandro Varela
Growing up on Long Island as the child of El Salvadoran and Colombian immigrants, Alejandro Varela was a translator of language and culture from a young age. This early role shaped his knack for clear, accessible storytelling. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Washington, Varela worked on HIV studies and cancer screening at institutions like the New York City Blood Center and Mount Sinai. His public health career, rooted in social justice, laid the groundwork for his fiction’s incisive social commentary. In his 30s, Varela transitioned to writing full-time, channeling his experiences into stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Alejandro Varela’s Unforgettable Stories
Varela’s debut novel, The Town of Babylon (2022), is a vibrant exploration of queer, racial, and class identities. Following Andrés, a gay Latinx professor returning to his suburban hometown, the novel weaves heartbreak, humor, and nostalgia into a National Book Award finalist. Critics, like Pulitzer winner Andrew Sean Greer, praised its “intelligence and vulnerability.”
His 2023 short story collection, The People Who Report More Stress, dives into the anxieties of urban life, tackling gentrification, racism, and relationships. Stories like “Midtown-West Side Story” and “The Man in 512” blend humor with sharp social critique, earning a spot on Publishers Weekly’s Best Fiction of 2023 and a longlist for the Aspen Words Literary Prize. Varela’s upcoming novel, Middle Spoon (Viking, 2025), promises to continue his subversive, heartfelt style.
Varela’s writing stands out for its accessibility and wit, smuggling public health concepts into fiction. His stories, published in outlets like Harper’s Magazine and The Yale Review, reflect a keen observer’s eye, blending neurotic humor with unflinching truths about societal inequities.
Why Alejandro Varela Matters
Varela’s impact lies in his ability to make public health and social justice accessible through fiction. His 2023 Alumni Impact Award from the University of Washington’s School of Public Health lauded his “creative public health work,” noting how he reaches broad audiences with stories that challenge systemic issues. As a queer Latinx author, Varela amplifies marginalized voices, offering nuanced portraits of identity and community that resonate deeply in today’s polarized world.
His work inspires readers to confront uncomfortable truths while laughing along the way, making him a vital voice in literary fiction. Whether dissecting suburban decline or urban stress, Varela’s stories remind us of the power of collective action and empathy.
- Born: 1979, Long Island, New York
- Key Works: The Town of Babylon (2022), The People Who Report More Stress (2023), Middle Spoon (2025)
- Awards: 2022 National Book Award Finalist, 2023 Alumni Impact Award
Snag The Town of Babylon or The People Who Report More Stress and dive into Alejandro Varela’s witty, thought-provoking world of literary fiction!