Picture a Soviet Ukrainian-born storyteller who weaves time-bending tales that captivate hearts—meet Margarita Montimore! This American author of literary and upmarket fiction has taken the literary world by storm with her genre-blending novels, most notably Oona Out of Order, a USA Today bestseller that became a Good Morning America Book Club pick. With a knack for surreal storytelling and a playful exploration of human experience, Montimore has carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction, all from her cozy home in New Jersey.
Her journey from a publishing professional to a celebrated novelist is as intriguing as her plots. Montimore’s ability to infuse wonder, magic, and emotional depth into her stories has earned her a devoted readership. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this literary gem!
The Making of Margarita Montimore
Born in Soviet Ukraine, Margarita Montimore immigrated to the United States at age four, settling in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a bilingual household speaking Russian and English, she developed a keen eye for language and storytelling. Her love for books was sparked early by her mother, who introduced her to reading and secured her first library card at nine. A voracious reader, Montimore was particularly struck by V.C. Andrews’ Flowers in the Attic, a dark tale that left a lasting impression. After earning a BFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, she spent over a decade in publishing and social media, working for companies like Quirk Books and Marvel. This diverse career honed her skills, but her childhood dream of writing full-time eventually took center stage.
Margarita Montimore’s Unforgettable Stories
Montimore’s novels are a delightful blend of literary fiction, magical realism, and emotional resonance. Her breakout novel, Oona Out of Order (2020), follows Oona Lockhart, a woman who lives her life non-chronologically, waking up each year in a different part of her timeline. This time-travel tale, infused with pop culture and music, explores love, family, and living in the moment. A national bestseller, it’s being adapted for television by Amazon Studios. Her debut, Asleep from Day (2018), is a self-published gem set in Boston, delving into memory and identity through the story of Astrid, a woman grappling with amnesia.
In Acts of Violet (2022), Montimore tackles fame and family dynamics, centering on a magician, Violet Volk, who vanishes mid-performance. Told through podcasts, letters, and narratives, the novel’s innovative structure keeps readers guessing. Her latest, The Dollhouse Academy (2025), explores the dark side of showbiz through the lens of a former child star at an elite boarding school. Montimore’s style—marked by surreal twists, vivid characters, and heartfelt themes—invites readers to ponder life’s complexities while savoring her imaginative plots.
Why Margarita Montimore Matters
Montimore’s work resonates because it dares to blend the fantastical with the deeply human. Her stories tackle universal themes—identity, time, and connection—while pushing narrative boundaries. By weaving magical realism into relatable struggles, she offers readers both escapism and introspection. Her immigrant background and bilingual upbringing add a unique lens, enriching her exploration of outsider perspectives. As a relatively new voice, Montimore’s growing influence in literary fiction and her ability to craft stories that linger in readers’ minds signal a bright future. She’s not just writing books; she’s redefining how we experience time and memory in fiction.
- Birthplace: Soviet Ukraine
- Key Works: Asleep from Day, Oona Out of Order, Acts of Violet, The Dollhouse Academy
- Education: BFA in Creative Writing, Emerson College
- Current Residence: New Jersey
Snag Oona Out of Order or Acts of Violet and dive into Margarita Montimore’s magical, mind-bending world of literary fiction!