Picture a Vermont-born storyteller who weaves myth, magic, and human heartache into tales that linger like a half-remembered dream—meet GennaRose Nethercott! A poet, novelist, and folklorist, she’s captivated readers with her enchanting blend of folklore and modern storytelling. From her award-winning poetry to her spellbinding debut novel, Nethercott’s work invites us into worlds where houses walk on chicken legs and doves carry secrets.
With a typewriter in tow and a knack for spinning stories, Nethercott has become a literary force, performing her tales across the globe. Her unique voice, rooted in the forests of Vermont and the echoes of ancient myths, makes her a must-read for anyone craving stories that feel both timeless and fresh.
The Making of GennaRose Nethercott
Born in the woodlands of Vermont, GennaRose Nethercott grew up surrounded by artists, folklorists, and the wild beauty of New England. Her father, a writer, filled her childhood with stories and poems, sparking her love for storytelling. As a young girl, she performed as a clown named Chicken Bump, touring libraries with her family’s whimsical shows. By age five, she was scribbling poetry in a Lisa Frank binder, already drawn to monsters and fairy tales. Though she initially resisted a writer’s life, fearing its challenges, Nethercott found her calling in her late teens, realizing writing was where she felt most alive. Her studies in folklore at the University of Edinburgh and her work as a researcher for the podcast Lore deepened her connection to myth and history.
GennaRose Nethercott’s Unforgettable Stories
Nethercott’s debut poetry collection, The Lumberjack’s Dove (2018), won the prestigious National Poetry Series, selected by Louise Glück. This narrative poem tells of a lumberjack whose severed hand transforms into a dove, exploring sacrifice, memory, and storytelling itself. Its lyrical depth and folkloric charm set the stage for her later work. In 2022, her debut novel Thistlefoot arrived, reimagining Baba Yaga as a Jewish woman in 1919 Russia. The story follows siblings Bellatine and Isaac Yaga, who inherit a sentient house on chicken legs, embarking on a journey that unearths their family’s painful history. Critics praised its poetic prose and exploration of heritage and trauma.
Nethercott’s 2024 short story collection, Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart, dives into speculative fiction with tales of longing and transformation—a woman becoming a house, a medieval bestiary come to life. Her narrative song collection Modern Ballads and the quirky Lianna Fled the Cranberry Bog: A Story in Cootie Catchers showcase her playful versatility. Her style, rich with metaphor and rooted in folklore, feels like a conversation with the past, yet it speaks to modern anxieties and hopes.
Why GennaRose Nethercott Matters
GennaRose Nethercott’s work bridges the gap between ancient folklore and contemporary struggles, reminding us that stories shape who we are. Her reimagining of myths, like Baba Yaga in Thistlefoot, gives voice to marginalized histories, particularly Jewish experiences of persecution. Through her performances—often with puppets or her 1952 Hermes Rocket typewriter—she brings storytelling to life, connecting with audiences worldwide. Her influence lies in her ability to make the fantastical feel intimate, inviting readers to confront their own histories and dreams. As a folklorist, she preserves and reinvents traditions, ensuring they resonate in today’s world.
- Born: Vermont, USA
- Key Works: The Lumberjack’s Dove (2018), Thistlefoot (2022), Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart (2024)
- Awards: National Poetry Series (2017), Mass Cultural Council Artist Fellowship (2018)
- Fun Fact: She once performed as a clown named Chicken Bump!
Snag Thistlefoot or Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart and dive into GennaRose Nethercott’s magical, myth-soaked world!