Picture an American storyteller who weaves suspenseful tales with a sharp cultural edge—meet Calla Henkel! A writer, playwright, director, and artist, Henkel has carved a unique path in contemporary literature with her thrilling novels and boundary-pushing creative ventures. Her debut, Other People’s Clothes, captivated readers with its blend of mystery and social commentary, establishing her as a fresh voice in literary fiction.
Born in Minneapolis in 1988, Henkel’s multifaceted career spans Berlin and Los Angeles, where she runs innovative performance spaces and crafts stories that resonate globally. From art galleries to theater stages, her work challenges conventions, making her a dynamic force in the creative world.
The Making of Calla Henkel
Growing up in Minneapolis, Calla Henkel was drawn to storytelling and art from a young age. She honed her craft at The Cooper Union in New York, where she began collaborating with artist Max Pitegoff. After graduating in 2011, Henkel moved to Berlin, immersing herself in its vibrant art scene. There, she co-founded experimental theater spaces like New Theater and later TV, a bar and performance venue, blending her love for narrative and community. Her early playwriting for Berlin’s Volksbühne and the Whitney Museum of Art laid the groundwork for her literary career, infusing her prose with a theatrical flair.
Calla Henkel’s Unforgettable Stories
Henkel’s debut novel, Other People’s Clothes (2021), is a gripping literary thriller about two American art students in Berlin. The story follows Zoe and Hailey, who sublet an apartment from a mysterious writer and spiral into a game of performance and paranoia. Critics, including The New York Times, praised its “hugely entertaining” blend of suspense and cultural critique, earning it an Editors’ Choice nod.
Her second novel, Scrap (2024), dives into the neo-noir world of Esther Ray, a true-crime-obsessed artist crafting scrapbooks for a wealthy New York family. When her employer dies suspiciously, Esther’s investigation uncovers dark secrets. Henkel’s modern, vivid prose and keen eye for societal nuances make Scrap a compelling follow-up, lauded for its “sparkling” and “twisted” narrative.
Henkel’s writing style is immersive, blending taut suspense with explorations of identity, performance, and the art world’s underbelly. Her stories often reflect her own experiences, weaving personal and fictional narratives into thrilling, accessible “airport novels” that carry intellectual depth.
Why Calla Henkel Matters
Calla Henkel’s impact lies in her ability to bridge high art and pop culture, crafting stories that are both binge-worthy and thought-provoking. Her novels resonate with readers who crave suspense with substance, while her theater and art projects foster creative communities in Berlin and Los Angeles. By tackling themes like self-representation and societal roles, Henkel challenges readers to question the narratives they inhabit, making her a vital voice in contemporary fiction.
Her entrepreneurial spirit—running venues like New Theater Hollywood and TV—amplifies her influence, creating spaces where artists and audiences connect. Henkel’s work inspires a new generation of creators to blend disciplines and embrace bold storytelling.
- Born: 1988, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Key Works: Other People’s Clothes (2021), Scrap (2024)
- Notable Ventures: Co-founder of New Theater and TV in Berlin, New Theater Hollywood in Los Angeles
Snag Other People’s Clothes or Scrap and dive into Calla Henkel’s thrilling, thought-provoking world of literary suspense!