Picture a British storyteller who weaves tales of identity and belonging with a touch of historical magic—meet Natasha Solomons! Born in 1980, this New York Times bestselling author captured hearts with her debut novel, Mr. Rosenblum's List, in 2010. From her cozy Dorset cottage, Solomons spins stories that blend emotional depth with vivid settings, drawing readers into worlds where immigrants chase dreams against the backdrop of war and change.
With her knack for crafting relatable characters and immersive historical fiction, Solomons has become a beloved voice in contemporary literature. Her novels, translated into 17 languages, explore the human spirit with a warmth that lingers long after the final page.
The Making of Natasha Solomons
Natasha Solomons, born Natasha Carsley in South London, grew up in North Dorset, shaped by her secular Jewish heritage. Her grandparents, who fled Berlin and Austria in the 1930s, inspired her storytelling, especially her debut novel, which she calls a 'scrapbook of memories.' Despite dyslexia and struggles with handwriting, Solomons dreamed of writing from a young age. Her grandfather’s gift of an antique writing desk, willed to her at age 10, fueled her ambition. She earned an MPhil in English literature from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in eighteenth-century fiction from the University of Aberdeen, but a stalled doctorate chapter on poetry led her to fiction as a creative escape.
Natasha Solomons’s Unforgettable Stories
Solomons’s novels are a tapestry of historical fiction, rich with themes of identity, displacement, and resilience. Her debut, Mr. Rosenblum's List (2010), follows Jack Rosenblum, a Jewish refugee in WWII-era England, obsessed with becoming the perfect Englishman by building a golf course. This tender, comedic tale draws from her grandparents’ immigrant experiences. Her follow-up, The Novel in the Viola (2011), a Richard & Judy Book Club pick, traces Elise Landau, a Viennese refugee working as a maid in an English manor, blending romance and wartime drama.
The House at Tyneford (2011), a New York Times bestseller, echoes similar themes, while I, Mona Lisa (2022) takes a bold leap, giving voice to the iconic painting in a vibrant narrative spanning Renaissance Florence to modern times. Solomons’s style—lyrical, immersive, and emotionally resonant—brings history to life, earning praise for its 'splendidly written' storytelling (John Ironmonger). Her works often weave personal and cultural histories, reflecting her fascination with research and her aversion to academic footnotes.
Why Natasha Solomons Matters
Natasha Solomons’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the immigrant experience, blending humor and heartache to illuminate universal struggles. Her novels resonate with readers seeking stories of belonging in turbulent times, earning her awards like the Galaxy National Book Awards shortlist and a global audience. Beyond books, she collaborates with her husband, children’s author David Solomons, on screenplays, expanding her creative reach. Her evocative prose and historical insight make her a vital voice in literary fiction, inviting readers to reflect on identity and resilience.
- Born: 1980, South London
- Key Works: Mr. Rosenblum's List, The Novel in the Viola, The House at Tyneford, I, Mona Lisa
- Awards: Shortlisted for Galaxy National Book Awards, Richard & Judy Book Club selection
- Lives: Dorset, England, with husband David Solomons and two children
Ready to lose yourself in Natasha Solomons’s enchanting worlds? Grab Mr. Rosenblum's List or I, Mona Lisa and dive into her heartfelt historical fiction today!