Picture a Jamaican storyteller who weaves raw, vibrant tales of identity and resilience—meet Nicole Dennis-Benn! Born in Kingston, Jamaica, this award-winning author has captivated readers with her bold novels that dive deep into themes of sexuality, gender, and the Jamaican diaspora. Her debut, Here Comes the Sun, lit up the literary world, earning a spot as a New York Times Notable Book and a Lambda Literary Award. With a voice that’s both provocative and tender, Dennis-Benn is a must-read for anyone craving stories that challenge norms and celebrate humanity.
Now living in Brooklyn with her wife, Dennis-Benn brings her Jamaican roots and queer perspective to every page. Her work doesn’t just entertain—it sparks conversations about class, homophobia, and the hidden struggles behind Jamaica’s tourist facade. Ready to explore her unforgettable world? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Nicole Dennis-Benn
Born in 1982 in Kingston, Jamaica, Nicole Dennis-Benn grew up in a working-class community in Vineyard Town before moving to Portmore. At 11, her academic prowess earned her a scholarship to St. Andrew High School for Girls. At 17, she left Jamaica for the U.S., grappling with classism and homophobia back home. Initially set on a medical career, she earned a biology degree from Cornell and a master’s in public health from the University of Michigan. But writing was her true calling. Encouraged by her wife, Emma Benn, she pursued an MFA in Creative Writing at Sarah Lawrence College, where her storytelling voice began to shine.
Her early career in public health, including a stint at Columbia University, shaped her empathetic lens. Experiences in HIV research and women’s reproductive health fueled her desire to amplify marginalized voices, setting the stage for her literary breakthrough.
Nicole Dennis-Benn’s Unforgettable Stories
Dennis-Benn’s novels are love letters to Jamaica, written in vivid patois and brimming with complex characters. Her debut, Here Comes the Sun (2016), follows sisters Margot and Thandi navigating sex tourism, class divides, and forbidden love in Montego Bay. Hailed as a “lithe, artfully-plotted debut” by the New York Times, it won a Lambda Literary Award and was a finalist for multiple prestigious prizes. Critics compared its depth to Toni Morrison’s work.
Her sophomore novel, Patsy (2019), is equally gripping, tracing a Jamaican woman’s immigration to New York, leaving her daughter behind to pursue love and freedom. A 2020 Lambda Literary Award winner and New York Times Editors’ Choice, it’s been praised for filling a “literary void with compassion.” Dennis-Benn’s style—raw, lyrical, and unflinching—tackles heavy themes like motherhood and queerness while humanizing her characters. Her work appears in outlets like The New York Times and Electric Literature, and her third and fourth novels, acquired by Random House for seven figures, promise more boundary-pushing stories.
Why Nicole Dennis-Benn Matters
Nicole Dennis-Benn’s impact is profound, especially for queer and Caribbean readers. Her novels challenge Jamaica’s glossy tourist image, exposing the realities of working-class life and homophobia. As an out lesbian, she amplifies voices often silenced, offering representation that resonates deeply. Her Lambda Literary Awards and fellowships from MacDowell and Hedgebrook underscore her influence. By teaching at Princeton and engaging with students through Lambda Literary’s Writers in Schools program, she inspires the next generation of writers to tell their truths.
Her stories are a call to see beyond stereotypes, celebrating Jamaican culture while confronting its complexities. Dennis-Benn’s work is a beacon for those navigating identity, making her a vital voice in contemporary fiction.
- Born: 1982, Kingston, Jamaica
- Key Works: Here Comes the Sun (2016), Patsy (2019)
- Awards: Two Lambda Literary Awards, New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship
- Current Role: Lecturer in Creative Writing at Princeton University
Snag Here Comes the Sun or Patsy and dive into Nicole Dennis-Benn’s bold, beautiful world of Jamaican storytelling!