Picture an American storyteller weaving tales of women across centuries, their struggles and triumphs vivid on every page—meet Anna Solomon! Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, this acclaimed novelist has carved a niche in historical fiction, blending rich detail with complex female characters. Her novels, like the celebrated The Book of V., have earned her a spot among today’s most compelling literary voices.
With degrees from Brown University and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Solomon brings a poet’s precision and a historian’s curiosity to her work. Living in Brooklyn with her family, she balances teaching creative writing with crafting stories that resonate with readers worldwide. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this remarkable writer.
The Making of Anna Solomon
Anna Solomon grew up in the coastal town of Gloucester, Massachusetts, where the salty air and small-town charm shaped her early imagination. After graduating from Brown University in 1998, she worked as a journalist for NPR’s Living on Earth, honing her ability to tell stories with clarity and heart. Her passion for fiction led her to the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she earned an MFA in 2005. This blend of journalism and creative writing laid the foundation for her distinctive voice, one that captures both the grit and grace of human experience.
Solomon’s early career wasn’t just about writing novels—she taught at workshops and published short stories and essays in outlets like The New York Times Magazine and Ploughshares. Her talent for crafting intimate, thought-provoking narratives caught attention, earning her two Pushcart Prizes and setting the stage for her debut novel.
Anna Solomon’s Unforgettable Stories
Solomon’s novels are like time machines, whisking readers to different eras while exploring timeless questions of identity, power, and family. Her debut, The Little Bride (2011), follows Minna Losk, a 16-year-old Jewish mail-order bride from Odessa navigating love and survival in 1880s South Dakota. The novel’s vivid prose and unflinching look at desire earned it praise for its fresh take on the American frontier.
In Leaving Lucy Pear (2016), Solomon transports readers to 1920s New England, where a young woman’s decision to abandon her baby under a pear tree sets off a chain of heartrending events. Critics lauded its lush storytelling and exploration of motherhood, with one calling it “a gorgeous meditation on womanhood.” Her third novel, The Book of V. (2020), is a kaleidoscopic triumph, weaving the lives of three women—Queen Esther, a 1970s senator’s wife, and a Brooklyn mother in 2016. Inspired by The Hours, it’s a feminist reimagining of biblical narratives, earning accolades from Good Housekeeping and NPR.
Solomon’s style is lyrical yet accessible, with a knack for creating flawed, relatable characters. Her themes—female agency, cultural identity, and the weight of history—resonate deeply, making her a standout in historical and literary fiction. Whether she’s writing about ancient Persia or Prohibition-era Massachusetts, her stories feel both intimate and universal.
Why Anna Solomon Matters
Anna Solomon’s work shines a light on women’s lives, past and present, challenging stereotypes and celebrating resilience. Her ability to intertwine historical settings with modern sensibilities makes her novels both thought-provoking and wildly readable. As a Jewish-American writer, she explores cultural identity with nuance, earning her awards like the Missouri Review Editor’s Prize and residencies at MacDowell and Yaddo.
Beyond her books, Solomon’s influence extends to her teaching and mentorship, shaping the next generation of writers. Her commitment to purpose-driven storytelling, seen in her essays and co-edited anthology Labor Day: True Birth Stories, inspires readers and writers alike to embrace complex narratives. In a world craving authentic voices, Solomon’s stories are a gift.
- Born: Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Key Works: The Little Bride, Leaving Lucy Pear, The Book of V.
- Awards: Two-time Pushcart Prize winner, Missouri Review Editor’s Prize
- Fun Fact: She curates the Instagram account @unkempt_real_life, sharing raw, real moments.
Snag The Book of V. and dive into Anna Solomon’s captivating world of historical fiction—you won’t be able to put it down!