Picture a British storyteller who weaves magic, history, and heart into every page—meet Kiran Millwood Hargrave! Born in 1990, this poet, playwright, and novelist has enchanted readers with her lyrical prose and unforgettable tales. From her award-winning debut, The Girl of Ink and Stars, to her gripping adult novel The Mercies, Hargrave’s stories blend fantasy and reality, earning her a devoted global following.
With a knack for crafting vivid worlds, Hargrave’s work spans children’s fiction, young adult novels, and historical dramas, all infused with her poetic touch. Her stories resonate with readers of all ages, making her one of today’s most exciting literary voices. Let’s dive into her journey, her unforgettable works, and why she’s a must-read!
The Making of Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Born on March 29, 1990, in Surrey, England, Kiran Millwood Hargrave grew up with a vivid imagination, dreaming of becoming a cat, a cat-owner, or the first woman on Mars. Of Indian descent on her mother’s side, she studied English and Drama at Cambridge University, graduating in 2011, and later earned a Master’s in Creative Writing from Oxford University in 2014. Her writing career kicked off in 2009 with poetry, which appeared in journals like Magma and Orbis. Her poem 'Grace' won the 2013 Yeovil Literary Prize, hinting at the lyrical talent that would define her novels.
Initially set on studying law, Hargrave switched paths after inspiration from her husband, artist Tom de Freston, and her love for storytelling. By her mid-20s, she was crafting tales that would captivate readers worldwide, proving that following your passion can lead to extraordinary places.
Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s Unforgettable Stories
Hargrave’s debut, The Girl of Ink and Stars (2016), follows Isabella, a mapmaker’s daughter, on a mythical quest to save her island. This children’s novel, also known as The Cartographer’s Daughter, won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year in 2017, praised for its lush prose and adventurous spirit. Her follow-up, The Island at the End of Everything (2017), set in a 1900s Philippine leper colony, blends heartbreak and hope, earning Costa Book Award shortlisting.
In 2019, Hargrave ventured into young adult fiction with The Deathless Girls, a feminist retelling of Dracula’s brides, showcasing her ability to reimagine myths with depth and darkness. Her adult debut, The Mercies (2020), inspired by the 1621 Vardø witch trials, became a Sunday Times bestseller, lauded for its haunting exploration of female resilience. Hargrave’s style—poetic, immersive, and rich with themes of friendship, identity, and survival—sets her apart as a versatile storyteller.
Collaborations with her husband, Tom de Freston, have also produced gems like Julia and the Shark (2021), a beautifully illustrated tale of determination that won the Waterstones Children’s Gift of the Year. Her recent Geomancer trilogy, starting with In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen (2023), dives into epic fantasy, proving her range knows no bounds.
Why Kiran Millwood Hargrave Matters
Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that bridge generations and genres. Her children’s books inspire young readers with tales of courage, while her adult novels tackle complex historical and feminist themes, resonating with a broad audience. Translated into over 30 languages, her work has earned accolades like the Betty Trask Award and a fellowship with the Royal Society of Literature in 2023.
Hargrave’s personal journey—overcoming hyperfertility and miscarriages, embracing her bisexual identity, and collaborating with her husband—adds depth to her storytelling, making her a relatable and inspiring figure. Her lyrical voice continues to shape contemporary literature, inviting readers to explore worlds both magical and real.
About Kiran Millwood Hargrave
- Born: March 29, 1990, Surrey, England
- Key Works: The Girl of Ink and Stars, The Mercies, Julia and the Shark
- Awards: Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, British Book Awards, Betty Trask Award
- Lives: Oxford, England, with husband Tom de Freston and their daughter
Ready to lose yourself in a world of ink, stars, and courage? Snag The Girl of Ink and Stars and dive into Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s enchanting storytelling today!