Picture a Vietnamese-born poet and novelist weaving magical realism with the weight of history—meet Quan Barry! With a knack for lyrical prose and stories that dance between cultures, Barry has carved a unique space in contemporary literature. From the haunting She Weeps Each Time You’re Born to the wickedly fun We Ride Upon Sticks, her work captures identity, resilience, and the human spirit with a touch of enchantment.
As a Lorraine Hansberry Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Barry’s journey from Saigon to global literary stages is as captivating as her narratives. Let’s dive into the life and works of this award-winning storyteller whose words resonate across genres and generations.
The Making of Quan Barry
Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Amy Quan Barry was raised on Boston’s North Shore in Danvers, Massachusetts, a town steeped in the history of the 1692 Salem witch trials. This setting later inspired her novel We Ride Upon Sticks. After earning a BA from the University of Virginia and an MFA from the University of Michigan, Barry honed her craft as a Wallace Stegner fellow at Stanford University and a Diane Middlebrook poetry fellow at the University of Wisconsin. Her early poetry, published in outlets like The New Yorker and The Kenyon Review, showcased her lyrical voice and set the stage for her genre-spanning career.
Quan Barry’s Unforgettable Stories
Barry’s work is a vibrant tapestry of poetry, fiction, and playwriting, often blending magical realism with historical and cultural narratives. Her debut novel, She Weeps Each Time You’re Born (2015), follows Rabbit, a Vietnamese girl who hears the voices of the dead, tracing Vietnam’s tumultuous 20th-century history. Critics praised its poetic prose and emotional depth, calling it “deeply affecting” by The New York Times.
In contrast, We Ride Upon Sticks (2020) is a spellbinding, comedic novel about a 1989 Danvers high school field hockey team dabbling in witchcraft to win state championships. Infused with ’80s nostalgia and sharp social commentary, it won the 2020 ALA Alex Award and was lauded by O: Oprah Magazine as “wickedly fun.” Barry’s third novel, When I’m Gone, Look for Me in the East (2022), explores reincarnation through twin monks in Mongolia, showcasing her ability to tackle diverse settings and themes.
Her poetry collections, including Asylum (2001), which won the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize, and Water Puppets (2011), a PEN/Open Book finalist, delve into violence, identity, and cultural intersections. Barry’s prose is vivid, her imagery rich, and her narratives often challenge conventional storytelling, making her a standout in both poetry and fiction.
Why Quan Barry Matters
Quan Barry’s work transcends genres, offering fresh perspectives on Vietnamese history, female empowerment, and cultural identity. Her ability to weave magical realism with real-world issues—like the Vietnam War’s legacy or ’80s societal norms—has earned her a dedicated readership and critical acclaim. As a Vietnamese American author, she amplifies marginalized voices, while her playful yet poignant style invites readers to rethink history and community. Her influence extends to her students at the University of Wisconsin, where she shapes the next generation of writers.
About Quan Barry
- Birthplace: Saigon, Vietnam
- Key Works: She Weeps Each Time You’re Born, We Ride Upon Sticks, Water Puppets
- Awards: Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize, 2020 ALA Alex Award, NEA Fellowships in Poetry and Fiction
- Current Role: Lorraine Hansberry Professor of English, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Snag We Ride Upon Sticks for a dose of Quan Barry’s witty, magical storytelling, or dive into She Weeps Each Time You’re Born for a lyrical journey through Vietnam’s past. Whichever you choose, Barry’s worlds will leave you spellbound!