Picture a Colombian-American storyteller weaving tales of identity and belonging that resonate across borders—meet Patricia Engel! Born to Colombian immigrants, Engel has carved a unique space in contemporary literature with her lyrical prose and heartfelt explorations of the immigrant experience. Her debut, Vida, introduced a bold new voice, and her novels and short stories continue to captivate readers worldwide.
With awards piling up and a knack for turning the complexities of diaspora into universal stories, Engel’s work is a must-read for anyone who loves fiction that feels both intimate and expansive. Let’s dive into her journey, from her New Jersey roots to her status as a literary star.
The Making of Patricia Engel
Born to Colombian parents in New Jersey, Patricia Engel grew up in a vibrant, artistic family where storytelling was a lifeline to their roots. Her large family, filled with musicians and painters, instilled a deep love for narrative, with Engel noting that Colombian culture thrives on stories. She earned a bachelor’s degree in French and Art History from New York University in 1999 and later an MFA in fiction from Florida International University in 2007. These academic pursuits shaped her worldly perspective, but it was her bicultural upbringing that fueled her writing. Engel began crafting stories to bridge her dual identities, drawing from the ‘in-betweenness’ of being both Colombian and American.
Patricia Engel’s Unforgettable Stories
Engel’s debut, Vida (2010), a linked story collection, follows Sabina, a young woman navigating life as a daughter of the Colombian diaspora. Hailed as a New York Times Notable Book and a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award, it won Colombia’s prestigious Premio Biblioteca de Narrativa Colombiana, making Engel the first woman to receive the honor. Her first novel, It’s Not Love, It’s Just Paris (2013), traces Lita del Cielo’s adventures in a crumbling Parisian mansion, blending romance and independence with a dreamy backdrop.
The Veins of the Ocean (2016) showcases Engel’s ability to tackle heavy themes with grace, following Reina Castillo’s journey of grief and redemption, earning the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Infinite Country (2021), a New York Times bestseller and Reese’s Book Club pick, tells the story of a Colombian family split by deportation, weaving Andean myths into a poignant narrative. Her latest, The Faraway World (2023), a short story collection, explores migration and sacrifice across the Americas, earning accolades from The Washington Post and the Boston Globe. Engel’s style—lyrical, precise, and emotionally resonant—brings the diasporic experience to life, making her characters feel like old friends.
Why Patricia Engel Matters
Patricia Engel’s work is a beacon for readers seeking stories that reflect the complexities of bicultural identity. Her nuanced portrayals of immigration, family, and belonging resonate with Latin American diaspora communities and beyond, offering a window into lives often overlooked. As a professor of creative writing at the University of Miami, she inspires aspiring writers, while her awards, including the Guggenheim Fellowship and the John Dos Passos Prize, cement her influence. Engel’s ability to craft universal stories from specific experiences makes her a vital voice in American literature, encouraging empathy and connection.
- Born: To Colombian parents in New Jersey
- Key Works: Vida, Infinite Country, The Faraway World
- Awards: Dayton Literary Peace Prize, Premio Biblioteca de Narrativa Colombiana, O. Henry Award
Snag Infinite Country or The Faraway World and dive into Patricia Engel’s lyrical world of heart and heritage!