Picture a Jamaican storyteller who wove a family’s secrets across centuries—meet Maisy Card! Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, and raised in Queens, New York, this librarian-turned-author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, These Ghosts Are Family. With a knack for blending historical depth with raw emotion, Card’s work captures the complexities of identity, trauma, and the immigrant experience, making her a fresh voice in contemporary fiction.
Card’s journey from library stacks to literary stardom is as compelling as her stories. Her debut novel, a multi-generational saga, earned critical acclaim, winning awards and drawing comparisons to literary giants like Yaa Gyasi. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this remarkable author.
The Making of Maisy Card
Maisy Card was born in Portmore, Jamaica, and moved to Queens, New York, as a child. Her dual cultural roots—Jamaican vibrancy and urban American grit—shape her storytelling. With a BA in English and American Studies from Wesleyan University and an MFA in Fiction from Brooklyn College, Card honed her craft while working as a public librarian in Newark, New Jersey. Her love for books began early, sparked by works like Julie of the Wolves, which opened her eyes to diverse narratives. A pivotal high school assignment, rewriting a Flannery O’Connor story, ignited her passion for writing, setting her on a path to create stories that resonate with heart and history.
Maisy Card’s Unforgettable Stories
Card’s debut, These Ghosts Are Family (2020), is a tour de force that traces eight generations of the Paisley family from colonial Jamaica to modern-day Harlem. The novel centers on Abel Paisley, who fakes his death and assumes his friend’s identity, unraveling a web of secrets that haunt his descendants. Critics praised its inventive structure, blending historical fiction, folklore, and patois, with The Atlantic calling it a tale of “intimate betrayals with unthinkable consequences.” The novel won an American Book Award and the 2021 OCM Bocas Prize in Fiction, cementing Card’s reputation.
Her writing style is a vibrant mix of lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, tackling themes like slavery, colorism, and migration. Card’s short stories and essays, published in The Paris Review, The New York Times, and Guernica, showcase her versatility. She’s also contributed to anthologies like Peach Pit and Lovers Rock, exploring fierce female characters and Caribbean identity. Currently, Card is working on a second novel, teasing the return of a These Ghosts character, promising more emotional depth and cultural richness.
Inspired by authors like Edwidge Danticat and Zadie Smith, Card’s work digs into family dynamics and historical wounds. Her 12-year journey to write These Ghosts, fueled by extensive research into Jamaica’s colonial past and her own family tree, reflects her commitment to authenticity. Her librarian background shines through, grounding her narratives in meticulous detail and emotional truth.
Why Maisy Card Matters
Maisy Card’s impact lies in her ability to illuminate the Caribbean diaspora’s complexities, giving voice to stories often overlooked in mainstream literature. Her exploration of generational trauma and resilience resonates with readers globally, earning her a devoted following. As a librarian, she champions literacy and community, while her fiction pushes boundaries, blending folklore with stark realities. Card’s work challenges readers to confront history’s lingering ghosts, making her a vital voice in literary fiction.
- Born: Portmore, Jamaica
- Key Work: These Ghosts Are Family (2020)
- Awards: American Book Award, 2021 OCM Bocas Prize in Fiction
- Fun Fact: Card is a fiction editor for The Brooklyn Rail.
Ready to explore a world where family secrets unravel across centuries? Grab These Ghosts Are Family and dive into Maisy Card’s haunting, heartfelt saga!