Picture an American storyteller who weaves tales so chilling they linger like a shadow—meet Brian B.K. Evenson! Born in 1966, this master of horror and science fiction crafts stories that probe the darkest corners of faith, morality, and the human psyche. From his controversial debut to award-winning novels, Evenson’s unflinching narratives have captivated and provoked readers worldwide.
With a style that blends literary minimalism with visceral intensity, Evenson’s work is both intellectual and haunting. His journey from a Mormon missionary to a boundary-pushing writer and academic is a testament to his relentless pursuit of truth through fiction. Ready to dive into his unsettling world?
The Making of Brian B.K. Evenson
Born on August 12, 1966, in Ames, Iowa, Brian Evenson grew up in Provo, Utah, in a devout Mormon family. His father, William Evenson, was a physics professor and administrator at Brigham Young University (BYU). Young Brian served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Switzerland and France, but his path took a sharp turn toward literature. He earned a BA from BYU, followed by an MA and PhD in literature and critical theory from the University of Washington. His academic roots fueled his philosophical approach to storytelling.
Evenson’s writing career began with a bang—and a scandal. While teaching at BYU, his debut collection, Altmann’s Tongue (1994), sparked controversy for its graphic violence, leading to clashes with church leaders. Choosing artistic freedom over conformity, he left BYU and the Mormon Church, forging a path as a bold, uncompromising voice in fiction.
Brian B.K. Evenson’s Unforgettable Stories
Evenson’s bibliography is a treasure trove of horror, science fiction, and literary fiction, often published under his pen name, B.K. Evenson, for genre works. His debut, Altmann’s Tongue, is a collection of stories that shock and unsettle, exploring the horrors of human behavior with stark prose. Its raw intensity set the tone for his career, blending dark humor with philosophical depth.
Last Days (2009), an expansion of his novella The Brotherhood of Mutilation, is a standout. This noir-horror novel follows a maimed detective infiltrating a cult obsessed with amputation, earning the American Library Association’s Best Horror Novel award. Song for the Unraveling of the World (2019), a story collection, won the Shirley Jackson and World Fantasy Awards for its eerie tales of doubt and delusion. Immobility (2012), a sci-fi novel, features a memory-wiped mutant navigating a post-apocalyptic wasteland, showcasing Evenson’s knack for blending genres.
His style draws from horror masters like Peter Straub and literary giants like Kafka and Borges, infused with continental philosophy from thinkers like Deleuze and Kristeva. Evenson’s stories often feature characters grappling with knowledge’s limits, wrapped in minimalist prose that amplifies their dread. His work is both a thrill ride and a meditation on existence.
Why Brian B.K. Evenson Matters
Evenson’s impact lies in his fearless exploration of taboo topics—faith, identity, and morality—through a lens that’s both visceral and cerebral. His departure from Mormonism and critique of institutional hypocrisy, as seen in Father of Lies, resonate with readers seeking authentic voices. His genre-blending approach has influenced modern horror and sci-fi, earning him accolades like three O. Henry Prizes and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
As a professor at the California Institute of the Arts since 2016, Evenson shapes the next generation of writers, while his translations of French literature broaden global literary conversations. His work, translated into over a dozen languages, continues to challenge and inspire, proving that horror can be profound and thought-provoking.
About Brian B.K. Evenson
- Born: August 12, 1966, in Ames, Iowa
- Key Works: Altmann’s Tongue, Last Days, Song for the Unraveling of the World, Immobility
- Awards: Shirley Jackson Award, World Fantasy Award, American Library Association’s Best Horror Novel
- Pen Name: B.K. Evenson for genre fiction
Snag Last Days or Song for the Unraveling of the World and dive into Brian B.K. Evenson’s haunting blend of horror and philosophy!