Picture a storyteller who swapped stethoscopes for stories, weaving history and heart into unforgettable tales—meet Elizabeth Letts! A master of historical fiction and narrative nonfiction, Letts transforms real-life events into page-turners that captivate readers. From her equestrian adventures to her bestselling books like The Eighty-Dollar Champion, she’s a literary force with a knack for blending fact and feeling.
Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Southern California, Letts grew up with a love for books and horses. Her journey from nurse-midwife to #1 New York Times bestselling author is as inspiring as the underdog stories she tells, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The Making of Elizabeth Letts
Elizabeth Letts’s early life was a blend of adventure and academia. A competitive equestrian in her teens, she galloped through three-day eventing while dreaming of writing stories like her idol, Marguerite Henry. After majoring in history at Yale College, she joined the Peace Corps, teaching English in Morocco’s northern Sahara. Later, she trained as a certified nurse-midwife at Yale School of Nursing, delivering babies and honing her ability to distill complex ideas into clear narratives. At 40, inspired by a friend’s novel, Letts decided to pursue her lifelong passion for writing, proving that big dreams don’t have expiration dates.
Elizabeth Letts’s Unforgettable Stories
Letts’s books are a masterclass in storytelling, blending meticulous research with emotional depth. Her debut novel, Quality of Care (2005), dives into the high-stakes world of obstetrics, following Clara Raymond, a skilled doctor facing personal and professional turmoil. Drawing on Letts’s midwifery experience, it’s a gripping tale of resilience and redemption.
Her nonfiction breakthrough, The Eighty-Dollar Champion (2011), tells the true story of Snowman, a plow horse turned show-jumping legend, and his owner, Harry de Leyer. This #1 New York Times bestseller captures the heart of 1950s America with its underdog triumph. Similarly, The Perfect Horse (2016) chronicles a daring WWII mission to rescue priceless stallions from Nazi captivity, earning the PEN Award for Research Nonfiction. Letts’s novel Finding Dorothy (2019) reimagines the life of Maud Baum, wife of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, weaving a heartfelt tribute to creativity and perseverance. Her style—vivid, empathetic, and historically rich—makes history feel alive and personal.
Letts’s latest, The Ride of Her Life (2021), follows Annie Wilkins, a 63-year-old woman who rode her horse across 1950s America to fulfill a dying wish. Each work showcases Letts’s ability to find extraordinary stories in ordinary lives, resonating with readers who love history with a human touch.
Why Elizabeth Letts Matters
Elizabeth Letts has carved a unique niche in historical fiction and narrative nonfiction, bringing lesser-known stories to global audiences. Her books, translated into multiple languages, inspire readers to find hope in unlikely places—whether it’s a scruffy horse or a determined woman defying odds. Her equestrian background and midwifery experience infuse her work with authenticity, while her awards, like the PEN USA Literary Award, cement her as a literary heavyweight. Letts’s stories remind us that courage and connection can change the course of history.
- Born: June 23, 1961, Houston, Texas
- Key Works: Quality of Care, The Eighty-Dollar Champion, The Perfect Horse, Finding Dorothy, The Ride of Her Life
- Awards: PEN USA Award for Research Nonfiction (2017), Daniel P. Lenehan Award for Media Excellence (2012)
Ready to gallop into a great read? Snag The Eighty-Dollar Champion and dive into Elizabeth Letts’s inspiring world of historical nonfiction!