Picture a storyteller who spun tales of war-torn resilience and family ties from a life of adventure—meet Devin Murphy! This American author, celebrated for his national bestselling debut The Boat Runner, weaves historical fiction and nonfiction with a painter’s touch, drawing readers into worlds where human spirit triumphs. Now a professor in Chicago, Murphy’s journey from sea voyages to literary acclaim is as captivating as his prose.
The Making of Devin Murphy
Born near Buffalo, New York, in a family with Dutch roots, Devin Murphy grew up steeped in stories of grit and heritage. His early years were shaped by the natural beauty of Western New York, sparking a love for the outdoors that later fueled his writing. With a BA/MA from St. Bonaventure University, an MFA from Colorado State University, and a PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Murphy honed his craft while working eclectic jobs—think national park gigs and a three-year stint at sea visiting over 50 countries. These experiences, from deckhand in Alaska to expedition leader across continents, infused his storytelling with a global pulse and raw authenticity.
Devin Murphy’s Unforgettable Stories
Murphy’s debut novel, The Boat Runner (2017), is a heart-wrenching tale of a Dutch teenager navigating moral dilemmas during World War II. Hailed as a Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers pick, it blends vivid historical detail with emotional depth, earning praise for its lyrical prose. His follow-up, Tiny Americans (2019), traces a family across decades, exploring love, loss, and redemption in Western New York—a poignant nod to his roots. In 2024, his short story collection Unbend the River brought gritty tales of knife factory workers and wild landscapes, published by Black Lawrence Press. Murphy’s style is elegant yet raw, weaving themes of resilience, identity, and the natural world with a knack for making history feel personal.
His fiction, appearing in over 60 literary journals like The Missouri Review and Glimmer Train, showcases his versatility. Whether crafting a novel or a short story, Murphy’s work pulses with empathy, drawing from his travels and early jobs, like working in an Alzheimer’s ward as a teen, which taught him to live fiercely and write truthfully.
Why Devin Murphy Matters
Devin Murphy’s impact lies in his ability to humanize history’s chaos and celebrate the quiet strength of everyday people. His novels, selected as Illinois Reads and Chicago Writer’s Association Book of the Year, resonate with readers seeking stories that blend adventure with heart. As an Associate Professor at Bradley University, he shapes new writers, passing on his passion for crafting narratives that linger. In a world craving connection, Murphy’s work reminds us that stories—whether of war, family, or wild places—bind us together.
- Born: Near Buffalo, New York
- Key Works: The Boat Runner, Tiny Americans, Unbend the River
- Awards: Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers, Chicago Writer’s Association Book of the Year
- Fun Fact: He once worked as a cruise director, exploring all seven continents!
Snag The Boat Runner and dive into Devin Murphy’s gripping world of historical fiction today!