Picture an American storyteller who turned family moonshine legends into a gritty, bestselling saga—meet Matt Bondurant! A master of historical fiction, Bondurant weaves tales of rugged characters and vivid settings, with his novel The Wettest County in the World stealing the spotlight as the inspiration for the star-studded film Lawless. From his roots in Virginia to shaping future writers at the University of Mississippi, Bondurant’s journey is as captivating as his prose.
The Making of Matt Bondurant
Born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Matt Bondurant grew up surrounded by stories of his family’s past, including tales of his grandfather and granduncles running moonshine during Prohibition. His love for literature bloomed early, leading him to earn a B.A. and M.A. in English from James Madison University, followed by a PhD from Florida State University in 2003. Initially dreaming of poetry, Bondurant found his calling in fiction, crafting narratives that blend historical grit with emotional depth.
Before becoming a novelist, Bondurant held eclectic jobs, from working at the Associated Press to serving as a steward at the British Museum in London. These experiences enriched his storytelling, grounding his work in a sense of place and history. His academic path also shaped his career, as he taught at universities like George Mason and the University of Texas at Dallas before settling in Oxford, Mississippi.
Matt Bondurant’s Unforgettable Stories
Bondurant’s debut novel, The Third Translation (2005), an international bestseller translated into 14 languages, introduced his knack for blending mystery with historical intrigue. The story follows an American Egyptologist entangled in a cryptic puzzle, showcasing Bondurant’s vivid prose and meticulous research. His sophomore effort, The Wettest County in the World (2008), cemented his reputation. Inspired by his grandfather Jack and granduncles Forrest and Howard, this Prohibition-era tale of moonshiners in Franklin County, Virginia, pulses with violence, loyalty, and raw ambition. Adapted into the 2012 film Lawless, starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, and Jessica Chastain, it became a cultural touchstone.
The Night Swimmer (2012) dives into a different setting, following an American couple caught in intrigue on Ireland’s coast. Praised for its Hitchcockian suspense, it highlights Bondurant’s versatility. His latest novel, Oleander City (2022), tackles the 1900 Galveston hurricane, weaving true events—like a young Jack Johnson’s boxing match—into a gripping narrative. Bondurant’s style, marked by muscular prose and deep empathy, brings history to life, making readers feel the dust, sweat, and heart of his characters.
Why Matt Bondurant Matters
Matt Bondurant’s impact extends beyond his page-turning novels. As Director of the MFA Program at the University of Mississippi, he mentors aspiring writers, shaping the next generation of literary voices. His ability to transform family lore and historical events into universal stories resonates with readers, earning accolades like a New York Times Editor’s Pick for The Wettest County in the World. Bondurant’s work captures the messy beauty of human struggle, blending grit with grace in a way that lingers.
His involvement in the Longleaf Writers Conference and residencies at Yaddo and the MacDowell Colony further amplify his influence, fostering creative communities. For fans of historical fiction, Bondurant offers a window into America’s past, told with authenticity and heart.
- Born: Alexandria, Virginia
- Key Works: The Third Translation, The Wettest County in the World, The Night Swimmer, Oleander City
- Notable Achievement: The Wettest County in the World adapted into Lawless (2012)
- Current Role: Director, MFA Program, University of Mississippi
Snag The Wettest County in the World and dive into Matt Bondurant’s thrilling blend of history and heart!