Picture a Bahamian storyteller who weaves tales of race, sexuality, and identity with a psychotherapist’s insight and a playwright’s flair—meet David Santos Donaldson! Born in Nassau, Bahamas, this multifaceted author burst onto the literary scene with his dazzling debut novel, Greenland, in 2022. With a life spanning continents and a career blending drama, therapy, and fiction, Donaldson crafts stories that resonate with emotional depth and cultural nuance, making him a fresh voice in contemporary literature.
The Making of David Santos Donaldson
Raised under the sun-soaked skies of Nassau, Donaldson’s early life was shaped by the vibrant culture of the Bahamas and the lingering echoes of British colonialism. He pursued education at Wesleyan University and honed his craft at The Juilliard School’s Drama Division, where he studied acting. His global journey took him to India, Spain, and the United States, infusing his perspective with a rich tapestry of experiences. Before turning to novels, Donaldson made waves as a playwright, with works commissioned by the Public Theater and a finalist nod for the Urban Stages Emerging Playwright Award. His role as Artistic Director for the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts in Nassau further showcased his creative versatility.
David Santos Donaldson’s Unforgettable Stories
Donaldson’s debut novel, Greenland, is a tour de force that blends metafiction, historical fiction, and magical realism. The story follows Kip Starling, a Black queer writer in Brooklyn, as he grapples with a deadline to rewrite a novel about E.M. Forster’s love affair with Mohammed el Adl, an Egyptian tram conductor. Through Kip’s journey, Donaldson explores themes of colonialism, identity, and the search for self, earning accolades like finalist spots for the 2023 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the Edmund White Award for Debut Fiction. His writing style—sharp, psychologically acute, and laced with humor—draws comparisons to literary giants like Toni Morrison and James Baldwin. Donaldson’s background as a psychotherapist shines through, lending his characters a raw, authentic emotional depth. While Greenland remains his flagship work, his essays and short pieces in magazines like Poets & Writers and Literary Hub showcase his versatility and keen cultural commentary.
Though Greenland stands alone as his major published novel to date, Donaldson has hinted at future projects that may continue to blend historical figures with contemporary queer and Black experiences. His ability to weave personal and historical narratives into universal stories marks him as a writer to watch.
Why David Santos Donaldson Matters
David Santos Donaldson’s work is a beacon for readers seeking stories that bridge the personal and the political. His exploration of Black queer identity, informed by his Bahamian roots and global perspective, adds vital voices to the growing canon of Black queer fiction. Critics have praised Greenland for its bold interrogation of colonialism and its celebration of self-discovery, making it a touchstone for discussions on race and sexuality. As a psychotherapist, Donaldson brings a unique lens to his writing, offering narratives that heal as much as they entertain. His influence is already felt in literary circles, inspiring new writers to embrace their authentic voices.
- Born: Nassau, Bahamas
- Key Work: Greenland (2022)
- Awards: Finalist, 2023 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction; Finalist, 2023 Edmund White Award for Debut Fiction
- Fun Fact: He splits his time between Brooklyn, New York, and Seville, Spain!
Ready to dive into a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining? Snag Greenland and discover David Santos Donaldson’s electrifying world of metafiction and identity!