Picture an American storyteller who whisked readers to 1920s Paris and colonial Kenya with her lyrical prose—meet Paula McLain! Known for her bestselling historical novels like The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun, McLain has a knack for breathing life into real historical figures, blending meticulous research with emotional depth. Her evocative storytelling captures the hearts of readers worldwide, making her a standout in historical fiction.
The Making of Paula McLain
Born in 1965 in Fresno, California, Paula McLain’s early life was marked by resilience. After her mother vanished when she was four and her father faced incarceration, McLain and her sisters navigated the foster care system for over a decade. This challenging upbringing, detailed in her memoir Like Family: Growing Up in Other People’s Houses, shaped her empathetic voice. She later earned an MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan in 1996, honing her craft through fellowships and poetry collections before turning to fiction.
Paula McLain’s Unforgettable Stories
McLain’s breakthrough came with The Paris Wife (2011), a fictionalized account of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage to Hadley Richardson. The novel, a New York Times bestseller, immerses readers in the bohemian whirl of 1920s Paris, showcasing McLain’s poetic prose and knack for capturing complex relationships. She followed this with Circling the Sun (2015), which chronicles the daring life of aviator Beryl Markham in colonial Kenya. This vivid tale of adventure and love triangles earned praise for its lush depiction of Africa and Markham’s fierce spirit.
McLain continued exploring Hemingway’s world in Love and Ruin (2018), focusing on his third wife, journalist Martha Gellhorn, and her struggle for independence. Her latest novel, When the Stars Go Dark (2021), shifts gears to suspense, weaving a gripping tale of a missing persons detective. McLain’s style blends historical accuracy with emotional resonance, making her characters—often women defying their era’s constraints—feel vividly real.
Why Paula McLain Matters
Paula McLain’s impact lies in her ability to resurrect overlooked women from history, giving voice to figures like Hadley Richardson and Beryl Markham. Her novels don’t just entertain—they inspire readers to explore the strength and complexity of women who dared to forge their own paths. By blending fact and fiction, McLain has redefined historical fiction, earning accolades from NPR, People, and Ann Patchett. Her work invites us to see history through fresh, empathetic eyes.
- Born: 1965, Fresno, California
- Key Works: The Paris Wife, Circling the Sun, Love and Ruin, When the Stars Go Dark
- Notable: MFA from University of Michigan; New York Times bestselling author
Ready to lose yourself in a world of jazz-age Paris or soaring African skies? Snag The Paris Wife or Circling the Sun and dive into Paula McLain’s captivating historical fiction!