Picture an American storyteller who weaves raw, introspective tales that unravel the human psyche—meet Catherine Lacey! Born in Mississippi in 1985, this literary dynamo has carved a niche with novels that blend dark themes with unexpected humor, challenging social norms and exploring the messy beauty of connection and disconnection. From her debut to her latest works, Lacey’s voice is a beacon in contemporary fiction, inviting readers to ponder life’s big questions with a sly grin.
The Making of Catherine Lacey
Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Catherine Lacey was shaped by a religious childhood that left her wrestling with faith and identity. She studied at Loyola University New Orleans before moving to New York, where she co-founded 3B, a cooperative bed and breakfast in Brooklyn. It was there, amidst the hum of city life, that she penned her debut novel, Nobody Is Ever Missing, fueled by a 2012 New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship that gave her the freedom to write. Her early days in the literary internet of the 2000s, sharing stories on Blogspot blogs, honed her craft and built a quiet confidence that would soon captivate readers.
Catherine Lacey’s Unforgettable Stories
Lacey’s debut, Nobody Is Ever Missing (2014), follows Elyria, a woman who abruptly leaves her life for New Zealand, unraveling in prose Dwight Garner of The New York Times called 'dreamy and fierce.' The novel’s introspective dive into identity earned it a spot on The New Yorker’s best books of 2014. Her follow-up, The Answers (2017), explores a bizarre experiment to engineer the perfect relationship, drawing comparisons to Don DeLillo for its sharp wit and existential depth. Pew (2020) introduces a nameless, ambiguous protagonist, probing community and belonging, while Biography of X (2023), a fictional biography of a shape-shifting artist, reimagines American history with audacious flair, earning a spot on Time’s 100 must-read books. Lacey’s style—hypnotic, piercing, and often darkly funny—tackles themes of selfhood, love, and societal norms, leaving readers both unsettled and enchanted.
Her short story collection, Certain American States (2018), showcases her knack for capturing fleeting human moments, while her upcoming nonfiction debut, The Möbius Book (2025), promises a raw exploration of loss and platonic love. Lacey’s work, translated into multiple languages, resonates globally, blending intellectual rigor with emotional vulnerability.
Why Catherine Lacey Matters
Catherine Lacey’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of the human condition, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity and connection. Her novels, lauded by critics and adorned with awards like the Whiting Award and Guggenheim Fellowship, have cemented her as a vital voice in contemporary literature. By subverting narrative conventions and embracing ambiguity, she inspires writers and readers to embrace the unknown, making her a trailblazer in modern fiction.
- Born: April 9, 1985, Tupelo, Mississippi
- Key Works: Nobody Is Ever Missing, The Answers, Pew, Biography of X
- Awards: Whiting Award (2016), Guggenheim Fellowship (2019), NYPL Young Lions Fiction Award (2021)
Ready to dive into Catherine Lacey’s mesmerizing world? Snag Nobody Is Ever Missing or Biography of X and lose yourself in her hypnotic, thought-provoking prose!