Picture a storyteller who weaves forgotten histories into gripping tales of courage and identity—meet David Wright Faladé! Born in 1964, this American author and professor has carved a unique niche in historical fiction and nonfiction, bringing overlooked stories to life with vivid prose and meticulous research. His works, like Black Cloud Rising and Fire on the Beach, blend fact and fiction, shining a light on African-American heroes and complex racial narratives.
With a heritage rooted in Benin and a childhood shaped by a Jewish mother who survived Nazi-occupied Paris, Faladé’s storytelling is as diverse as his background. His ability to transport readers to pivotal moments in history has earned him accolades and a devoted following. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable writer!
The Making of David Wright Faladé
Born in 1964 in Borger, Texas, David Wright Faladé grew up in a family rich with cultural contrasts. His mother, a French-Jewish Holocaust survivor and former Communist Party member, married an African-American soldier, embedding themes of race and identity in Faladé’s worldview. He later adopted the surname Faladé to honor his biological father, Max Faladé, a Beninese descendant of the last King of Dahomey. After earning a BA from Carleton College and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Faladé’s early career included playing and coaching American football in Paris and London, experiences that fueled his young adult novel Away Running. His time abroad, including a Fulbright Fellowship in Brazil, deepened his fascination with history and cultural hybridity.
David Wright Faladé’s Unforgettable Stories
Faladé’s bibliography is a treasure trove of historical narratives that blend rigorous research with compelling storytelling. His debut, Fire on the Beach: Recovering the Lost Story of Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesavers (2001), co-authored with David Zoby, chronicles the only all-Black lifesaving crew in U.S. history. A New Yorker notable selection, it showcases Faladé’s knack for unearthing forgotten heroes. In 2016, he co-wrote Away Running, a young adult novel about a Black American football player navigating racial tensions in Paris, reflecting Faladé’s own experiences abroad.
His 2022 novel, Black Cloud Rising, a New York Times Critics’ Pick, follows Richard Etheridge, a former slave turned Union soldier, during the Civil War. Excerpted in the New Yorker, it’s a gripping exploration of loyalty, freedom, and identity. His latest, The New Internationals (2025), dives into post-WWII Paris, weaving a love triangle amid colonial and racial tensions. Faladé’s style—vivid, character-driven, and unflinchingly honest—brings history to life, making readers feel the weight of each era.
Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, Faladé’s themes of race, resilience, and cultural intersection resonate deeply. His protagonists, often complex and relatable, navigate turbulent times with courage, inviting readers to reflect on America’s past and present.
Why David Wright Faladé Matters
David Wright Faladé’s work is more than storytelling—it’s a reclamation of marginalized histories. By spotlighting African-American contributions, like the Pea Island surfmen or Civil War soldiers, he challenges mainstream narratives and enriches our understanding of the past. His awards, including the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Award, and fellowships from the New York Public Library and Fulbright program, underscore his impact. As a professor at the University of Illinois, he inspires the next generation of writers to explore history with curiosity and rigor.
Faladé’s ability to make history accessible and thrilling ensures his stories resonate with diverse audiences. His work reminds us that the past is not just a story—it’s a mirror reflecting who we are today.
- Born: 1964, Borger, Texas
- Key Works: Fire on the Beach (2001), Away Running (2016), Black Cloud Rising (2022), The New Internationals (2025)
- Awards: Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Award, Fulbright Fellowship
- Fun Fact: He played American football in Paris and London before becoming a writer!
Snag Black Cloud Rising and dive into David Wright Faladé’s thrilling historical world! His stories will leave you inspired and eager for more.