Picture a New Mexico-born storyteller who weaves magical realism with heartfelt human truths—meet Ramona Ausubel! Her novels and short stories, brimming with whimsy and depth, have captivated readers worldwide. From the poignant 'No One Is Here Except All of Us' to the quirky 'Awayland,' Ausubel’s work blends the fantastical with the familiar, making her a standout in contemporary American literature.
Born in Santa Fe, Ausubel’s unique voice draws from her Southwestern roots and a vivid imagination. Her ability to craft stories that feel both otherworldly and intimately relatable has earned her accolades and a devoted following. Ready to dive into her enchanting world? Let’s explore the life, works, and legacy of this literary gem.
The Making of Ramona Ausubel
Ramona Ausubel grew up in the vibrant, artistic landscape of Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the desert’s magic likely sparked her creative fire. Surrounded by a rich cultural tapestry, she developed a love for storytelling early on. She pursued an MFA at the University of California, Irvine, honing her craft and winning the Glenn Schaeffer Award in Fiction. Her early work appeared in prestigious outlets like The New Yorker and The Paris Review, signaling the arrival of a bold new voice in fiction.
Ausubel’s career took off with her debut novel, a testament to her ability to tackle weighty themes with a light, fable-like touch. Influenced by her family’s history and a curiosity about human resilience, she began crafting stories that blur the line between reality and magic, earning comparisons to literary luminaries like Aimee Bender and Karen Russell.
Ramona Ausubel’s Unforgettable Stories
Ausubel’s bibliography is a treasure trove of imaginative storytelling. Her debut novel, 'No One Is Here Except All of Us' (2012), is a poetic fable set in a Romanian village during World War II. The villagers rewrite their reality to escape the horrors of war, showcasing Ausubel’s knack for blending heartbreak with hope. Critics praised its lyrical prose, calling it “fantastical and ambitious” (New York Times).
Her short story collection, 'A Guide to Being Born' (2013), explores life’s stages—love, birth, death—through a magical realist lens. Stories like “Atria,” where a pregnant teen imagines birthing animals, highlight her playful yet profound style. 'Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty' (2016) follows a wealthy family’s unraveling in 1970s Martha’s Vineyard, weaving class and love with Ausubel’s signature wit. Her latest novel, 'The Last Animal' (2023), a national bestseller, tackles animal conservation with charm and originality, earning a Science + Literature Prize.
Ausubel’s writing is marked by lush, layered prose and a fabulist streak. She describes her process as “following her weird,” letting stories dictate their form—be it realism or fantasy. Her work often explores family, loss, and transformation, wrapped in a whimsical tone that makes even the darkest themes feel tender and accessible.
Why Ramona Ausubel Matters
Ramona Ausubel’s impact lies in her ability to make the strange feel universal. Her magical realism invites readers to see the world anew, finding enchantment in everyday struggles. By tackling themes like war, privilege, and mortality with humor and grace, she bridges literary fiction with broader audiences, earning accolades like the PEN Center USA Literary Award and the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award.
As a professor at Colorado State University, Ausubel inspires new writers to embrace their unique voices. Her global appeal—stories set everywhere from small-town America to mythical realms—resonates with readers seeking both escape and insight. In a world often heavy with reality, Ausubel’s stories offer consolation, reminding us of the magic in human connection.
- Birthplace: Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Key Works: 'No One Is Here Except All of Us,' 'A Guide to Being Born,' 'Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty,' 'The Last Animal'
- Awards: PEN Center USA Literary Award, VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, Science + Literature Prize
Snag 'The Last Animal' or 'Awayland' and dive into Ramona Ausubel’s whimsical, soul-stirring world of magical realism!