Picture a storyteller who spun a remote Russian peninsula into a literary sensation—meet Julia Phillips! This American author burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Disappearing Earth, a gripping tale of loss and community that landed her a spot among The New York Times’ 10 Best Books of the Year. With a knack for weaving intricate narratives, Phillips has become a voice to watch in contemporary fiction.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Phillips’s journey to literary stardom is as fascinating as her stories. A 2024 Guggenheim fellow, she’s not just a writer but a dedicated advocate, serving on the board of the Crime Victims Treatment Center. Her work, translated into 26 languages, captures the hearts of readers worldwide, blending raw emotion with vivid settings.
The Making of Julia Phillips
Julia Phillips grew up with a love for stories, nurtured in Montclair before she headed to Barnard College to study English. Her fascination with Russian culture led her to Moscow for a semester abroad, where she dove into the language and history. After graduating, a Fulbright fellowship took her to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, a rugged, volcanic landscape that would inspire her debut novel. There, she researched the impact of tourism and foreign investment, all while volunteering for a 685-mile dogsled race—an adventure that fueled her storytelling.
Back in New York, Phillips spent over a decade volunteering at the Crime Victims Treatment Center, training crisis counselors and advocating for survivors of violence. This experience shaped her perspective, infusing her writing with a deep empathy for the human condition and a keen eye for the ripple effects of trauma.
Julia Phillips’s Unforgettable Stories
Phillips’s debut, Disappearing Earth (2019), is a masterclass in storytelling. Set in Kamchatka, the novel follows the abduction of two young sisters, unfolding over a year through the perspectives of various women in the community. It’s a literary thriller that explores not just crime but the everyday harms women face, earning a National Book Award finalist nod and praise as a “sophisticated and powerful literary thriller.” The New York Times called it “superb,” and readers agreed, propelling it to international bestseller status.
In 2024, Phillips released Bear, a haunting tale of two sisters on a Washington island whose lives are disrupted by a mythical creature. Described as “thrilling and propulsive” by Ann Patchett, Bear delves into sisterhood and the mysteries of nature, cementing Phillips’s reputation for crafting emotionally resonant stories. Her writing style blends vivid imagery with psychological depth, creating worlds that feel both foreign and intimately familiar.
Phillips’s nonfiction also shines, with essays in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Paris Review. Her Pushcart-nominated fiction has appeared in literary journals like Glimmer Train, showcasing her versatility. Whether exploring remote tundras or urban struggles, her work captures the complexities of human connection and resilience.
Why Julia Phillips Matters
Julia Phillips’s impact lies in her ability to illuminate overlooked voices—whether indigenous communities in Kamchatka or survivors of violence. Her stories challenge readers to confront the spectrum of harm, from headline-grabbing crimes to quiet, everyday betrayals. As a teacher at the Randolph College MFA program and Sarah Lawrence College, she mentors the next generation of writers, sharing her insights on crafting compelling narratives.
Her advocacy with the Crime Victims Treatment Center underscores her commitment to healing and justice, themes that echo in her fiction. With awards like the Guggenheim Fellowship and translations in 26 languages, Phillips is reshaping contemporary literature, proving that stories from the edges of the world can resonate universally.
About Julia Phillips
- Born: February 4, 1988, in Montclair, New Jersey
- Key Works: Disappearing Earth (2019), Bear (2024)
- Awards: 2024 Guggenheim Fellow, National Book Award Finalist (2019)
- Fun Fact: She volunteered for a dogsled race in Russia!
Ready to dive into a world of rugged landscapes and heartfelt stories? Snag Disappearing Earth or Bear and discover Julia Phillips’s literary magic!