Picture a New Orleans storyteller who weaves tales of resilience and history with lyrical grace—meet Margaret Wilkerson Sexton! This American novelist has captured hearts with her poignant narratives, blending sharp social commentary with family sagas. Her debut, A Kind of Freedom, marked her as a vital voice in contemporary literature, exploring racial inequality through vivid, unforgettable characters.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Sexton’s work pulses with the rhythms of her hometown. With a background in creative writing and law, she crafts stories that are as thought-provoking as they are emotionally rich, earning accolades and a devoted readership.
The Making of Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
Margaret Wilkerson Sexton grew up steeped in the culture of New Orleans, a city that would later infuse her novels with its complex history and spirit. She honed her craft at Dartmouth College, studying creative writing, before earning a law degree at UC Berkeley. A recipient of the Lombard Fellowship, Sexton spent a year in the Dominican Republic working for a civil rights organization while writing, a formative experience that deepened her storytelling perspective. Initially pursuing a legal career, she soon returned to her true passion—writing—channeling her insights into fiction that resonates with authenticity and heart.
Margaret Wilkerson Sexton’s Unforgettable Stories
Sexton’s debut novel, A Kind of Freedom (2017), is a multigenerational saga tracing a Black family in New Orleans from World War II to post-Hurricane Katrina. Lauded for its nuanced portrayal of systemic racism, it earned a spot on the New York Times’ 100 Notable Books list and a National Book Award nomination. Her sophomore novel, The Revisioners (2019), weaves a time-bending narrative connecting a freed slave in 1924 to her descendant in 2017, exploring ancestral strength and racial divides. It won the 2020 Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize and an NAACP Image Award.
Her third novel, On the Rooftop (2022), shifts to 1950s San Francisco, celebrating Black ambition and jazz culture through a mother and her daughters. A Reese’s Book Club pick, it showcases Sexton’s ability to blend joy with social insight. Her lyrical prose, vivid characters, and focus on intergenerational trauma and resilience define her style, making each work a compelling blend of history and heart.
Sexton’s stories shine for their emotional depth and cultural specificity. Whether depicting the Jim Crow South or the jazz-soaked Fillmore District, she crafts narratives that honor Black experiences while addressing universal themes of love, loss, and hope.
Why Margaret Wilkerson Sexton Matters
Margaret Wilkerson Sexton’s impact lies in her ability to illuminate the enduring effects of systemic racism while celebrating Black resilience. Her novels bridge past and present, offering readers a lens into the complexities of American history and identity. By centering powerful women and marginalized voices, she challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while finding hope in community and heritage. Her work has inspired a new generation of writers and readers, earning her a lasting place in contemporary literature.
- Born: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Key Works: A Kind of Freedom, The Revisioners, On the Rooftop
- Awards: 2020 Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize, NAACP Image Award, Crook’s Corner Book Prize
Ready to dive into a world of soulful storytelling? Grab A Kind of Freedom and discover Margaret Wilkerson Sexton’s lyrical take on history and humanity!