Picture an American storyteller who breathed new life into Shakespeare’s women, giving them voices that echo through time—meet Lisa Klein! With a knack for blending historical drama and feminist flair, Klein has enchanted young adult readers with novels like Ophelia and Lady Macbeth’s Daughter. Her stories don’t just retell classics; they reimagine them, making her a standout in contemporary YA fiction.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, Klein’s journey from academia to authorship is as compelling as her novels. With a Ph.D. in literature and a passion for Shakespeare, she’s crafted tales that resonate with readers seeking strong female leads and rich historical settings. Let’s dive into the world of Lisa Klein and discover why her work sparkles.
The Making of Lisa Klein
Growing up in Peoria as one of seven children, Lisa Klein was surrounded by stories. Her father, a newspaper writer, and her mother, a former research biologist, fostered a love for reading that shaped her early years. Klein devoured books like Gone With the Wind and even penned her first essay, “My Bad Day,” at age eight. After earning a B.A. in English and Theology at Marquette University, she pursued a Ph.D. in literature at Indiana University, focusing on English Renaissance poetry. Her academic career took her to Ohio State University, where she taught Shakespeare for eight years. But when tenure was denied, Klein turned a setback into a new beginning, channeling her expertise into writing novels that reframe history and literature.
Lisa Klein’s Unforgettable Stories
Klein’s novels are a vibrant tapestry of historical fiction and feminist reinterpretation, often drawing from Shakespeare’s works or pivotal historical moments. Her debut, Ophelia (2006), reimagines Hamlet’s tragic heroine as a bold, complex figure navigating love and betrayal. Readers lauded its lush prose and fresh perspective, with the novel inspiring a 2018 film adaptation starring Daisy Ridley. Lady Macbeth’s Daughter (2009) gives voice to a fictional daughter of Shakespeare’s infamous couple, exploring themes of power and identity with a feminist lens. Klein’s Two Girls of Gettysburg (2008) shifts to the Civil War, following cousins divided by the conflict, showcasing her ability to weave personal drama with historical accuracy. Cate of the Lost Colony (2010) tackles the mystery of the Roanoke Colony, blending romance and intrigue. Klein’s style—marked by vivid historical detail, strong female protagonists, and emotional depth—makes her stories both accessible and thought-provoking for young readers.
What sets Klein apart is her commitment to giving marginalized voices a stage. Her feminist reimaginings challenge Shakespeare’s male-dominated narratives, offering heroines who are not just supporting characters but drivers of their own destinies. Her meticulous research, honed during her academic years, grounds her stories in authenticity, whether she’s depicting Elizabethan courts or Civil War battlefields.
Why Lisa Klein Matters
Lisa Klein’s impact extends beyond her page-turning plots. By reimagining Shakespeare’s women, she’s sparked conversations about gender roles in classic literature, encouraging young readers to question traditional narratives. Her novels have inspired a new generation to explore both Shakespeare and historical fiction, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary storytelling. Klein’s work also highlights the power of resilience—her own shift from academia to authorship mirrors the strength of her heroines. As a public speaker, she engages students with her journey, sharing insights from her days as a national spelling bee contestant to her life as a novelist in Columbus, Ohio.
- Key Works: Ophelia, Lady Macbeth’s Daughter, Two Girls of Gettysburg, Cate of the Lost Colony
- Hometown: Peoria, Illinois
- Lives In: Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two sons
Ready to step into a world where history and Shakespeare get a feminist twist? Snag Ophelia and dive into Lisa Klein’s captivating storytelling!