Picture a Portland storyteller who spun a tale about a boy with a bird in his chest—meet Emme Lund! This literary fiction novelist burst onto the scene with her 2022 debut, The Boy with a Bird in His Chest, a magical realist gem that’s as heartfelt as it is quirky. A trans woman with a knack for weaving queer joy and identity into her stories, Lund’s work is a vibrant celebration of what makes us unique.
From her essays in Time and Autostraddle to her award-winning novel, Lund’s voice is a beacon for queer and trans rights, blending raw honesty with a touch of magic. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this rising star!
The Making of Emme Lund
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emme Lund once dreamed of being a cowboy, a far cry from the literary path she’d later tread. Her journey took a turn at Mills College, where she earned an MFA and found her voice as a trans woman. Oakland’s vibrant community inspired her to explore her queerness, planting the seeds for her distinctive storytelling. A 2019 Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship in Fiction recognized her potential, setting the stage for her breakout debut.
Lund’s early work, from editing 580 Split to co-founding HOLD: a journal, honed her craft. Her essays, tackling trans identity and advocacy, appeared in outlets like The Rumpus and Electric Literature, showcasing her ability to blend personal narrative with cultural critique.
Emme Lund’s Unforgettable Stories
Lund’s debut novel, The Boy with a Bird in His Chest (2022), is a queer coming-of-age tale that’s equal parts tender and surreal. Owen Tanner, the protagonist, harbors a chatty java sparrow named Gail in his chest—a metaphor for the secrets we carry. The story follows Owen’s journey through rural Montana and Washington, grappling with identity, love, and acceptance. Critics, including Pulitzer Prize-winner Andrew Sean Greer, praised its “love, desperation, heartache, and magic,” earning it a spot on best-of-2022 lists from Buzzfeed and The Washington Post.
Before her novel, Lund collaborated on The Sacred Text of Rosa Who Is Great (2016), a quirky art book blending prose and illustrations by Stella Peach. Her short stories, like “How to Paint Mountains,” and essays, such as “Caterpillar Soup: A Trans Girl Finds Her Style,” showcase her lyrical style and focus on marginalized experiences. Lund’s writing is magical yet grounded, using allegory to explore queerness, trauma, and healing.
Her prose, often described as “floaty” and “hazy,” mirrors the disorientation of her characters, who navigate worlds not built for them. Whether it’s Owen’s punk-fueled rebellion or her own reflections on trans joy, Lund’s work radiates authenticity and heart.
Why Emme Lund Matters
Emme Lund’s impact goes beyond her pages. As a trans woman, she uses her platform to advocate for queer and trans rights, especially amid rising anti-trans legislation. Her essays challenge institutions, asking, “What does it feel like to be a person the system wasn’t built for?” Her fiction, meanwhile, offers a roadmap for healing, resonating with readers who feel like outsiders.
Lund’s ability to blend magical realism with stark reality has carved a unique space in literary fiction. Her work inspires readers to embrace their differences, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature. From Portland’s literary scene to global conversations, Lund is shaping how we talk about identity and acceptance.
- Birthplace: Portland, Oregon
- Key Work: The Boy with a Bird in His Chest (2022)
- Awards: 2019 Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship; Oregon Book Award finalist
- Notable Essays: Published in Time, Autostraddle, The Rumpus
Snag The Boy with a Bird in His Chest and dive into Emme Lund’s magical, heart-stirring world! Her stories are a reminder that even in a tough world, there’s always room for joy and self-discovery.