Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned the mundane chaos of office life into a laugh-out-loud literary gem—meet Natalie Sue! A bicultural author of Iranian and British descent, Sue burst onto the scene with her 2024 debut novel, I Hope This Finds You Well, a workplace comedy that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Now settled in Calgary, she’s carving out a unique space in contemporary fiction with her sharp wit and keen eye for human connection.
From her nomadic childhood to her unexpected pivot from criminal justice to writing, Sue’s journey is as vibrant as her stories. Let’s dive into the world of this rising star whose tales of cubicle rivalries and hidden emails are winning hearts worldwide!
The Making of Natalie Sue
Born to Iranian and British parents, Natalie Sue spent her formative years crisscrossing western Canada, with a brief detour in Scotland that sparked her love for storytelling. As a child, she found solace in reading and connection through crafting tales, a passion that followed her into adulthood. After working in criminal justice, Sue took a leap of faith, channeling her observations of human behavior into writing. Her perseverance paid off after years of rejections, mentorship, and countless hours at her desk, culminating in her breakout novel.
Natalie Sue’s Unforgettable Stories
Sue’s debut, I Hope This Finds You Well, published by William Morrow in 2024, is a fresh take on the office comedy genre. The story follows Jolene, a sarcastic admin at Supershops, Inc., who vents her frustrations in hidden email postscripts—until a glitch exposes her secrets, sparking chaos and unexpected growth. With crackling dialogue and relatable characters, Sue captures the absurdity of corporate life while weaving in themes of loneliness, identity, and connection.
Her writing style is a delightful blend of humor and heart, drawing comparisons to Anxious People and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. Sue’s bicultural perspective infuses her work with rich Persian cultural elements, adding depth to her millennial-focused narratives. She’s currently working on a new novel set in an apartment building, promising another ensemble cast and her signature mix of laughs and poignant moments. Fans are already buzzing about what’s next from this versatile storyteller.
Inspired by her own office experiences, Sue excels at turning everyday settings into stages for profound human stories. Her characters—flawed, funny, and deeply human—resonate with readers who see their own workplace quirks reflected in her pages.
Why Natalie Sue Matters
Natalie Sue’s impact lies in her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary. By spotlighting the hidden dramas of office life, she offers a love letter to those navigating corporate monotony, reminding us to find humor and humanity in the grind. Her debut has struck a chord, earning praise for its relatable characters and tender exploration of connection, with over 79,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 3.76 stars. As a bicultural voice, Sue brings fresh diversity to contemporary fiction, paving the way for more inclusive storytelling.
Her work also taps into the zeitgeist of millennial ennui, blending sharp satire with emotional depth. As she continues to write, Sue is poised to become a defining voice for readers craving stories that are equal parts funny and moving.
- Key Work: I Hope This Finds You Well (2024)
- Hobbies: Binge-watching TV, pottery, collecting houseplants
- Home: Calgary, with her husband, daughter, and dog
Snag I Hope This Finds You Well and dive into Natalie Sue’s witty, heartfelt world of office antics and human connection!