Picture an American trailblazer who turned a tough start into literary gold—meet Rita Mae Brown! Born in 1944, this fiery feminist and activist shook up the world with her groundbreaking novel, Rubyfruit Jungle. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and rebellion, Brown’s work has been a beacon for readers craving stories that defy the norm.
From her early days as an outspoken voice in the feminist and LGBTQ+ movements to her cozy mysteries co-authored with her cat (yes, you read that right!), Rita Mae Brown’s journey is as colorful as her prose. Ready to dive into the life of a woman who’s never afraid to stir the pot? Let’s go!
The Making of Rita Mae Brown
Rita Mae Brown’s story begins in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where she was born to an unwed teenage mother and left at an orphanage. Adopted by her mother’s cousins, Julia and Ralph Brown, she grew up in York, Pennsylvania, before moving to Florida. A smart, scrappy kid, Brown landed a scholarship to the University of Florida—only to get expelled in 1964 for her civil rights activism. Undeterred, she hitchhiked to New York City, earning a degree in classics and English from NYU while often sleeping on the streets.
Her writing career kicked off amid the 1960s counterculture, fueled by her passion for justice. Brown didn’t just write—she fought. She joined feminist groups like NOW, clashed with leaders over lesbian exclusion, and co-founded the radical Furies Collective. These experiences shaped her bold, unapologetic voice, setting the stage for a literary revolution.
Rita Mae Brown’s Unforgettable Stories
Brown’s debut, Rubyfruit Jungle (1973), is a game-changer—a funny, fierce coming-of-age tale about Molly Bolt, a lesbian navigating a world that doesn’t quite get her. Rejected by big publishers, it sold 70,000 copies through a small feminist press before Bantam picked it up, eventually topping a million sales. Its raw honesty and wit made it a cornerstone of lesbian literature.
Then there’s the Mrs. Murphy series, co-written with her tiger cat, Sneaky Pie Brown. Starting with Wish You Were Here (1990), these cozy mysteries feature a sleuthing cat and corgi duo in small-town Virginia. Fans adore the playful charm and animal antics. Brown also shines in Six of One (1978), a Southern saga blending humor and history, and The Slumber Party Massacre (1982), a slasher screenplay she penned with a satirical twist.
Her style? Think sassy dialogue, vivid characters, and a knack for tackling big issues—class, gender, sexuality—with a wink. Whether she’s writing poetry, novels, or screenplays, Brown’s work radiates authenticity and a refusal to conform.
Why Rita Mae Brown Matters
Rita Mae Brown didn’t just write books—she rewrote the rules. Rubyfruit Jungle gave lesbian readers a hero when few existed, inspiring generations to live boldly. Her activism, from the Lavender Menace zap to her Furies days, pushed feminist and LGBTQ+ causes into the spotlight. In 2015, the Lambda Literary Awards honored her with a Pioneer Award for her lifetime impact.
Today, living on a Virginia farm with her cats and horses, Brown keeps churning out stories that blend wit with wisdom. Her legacy? A reminder that art can challenge, connect, and change the world—one page at a time.
- About Rita Mae Brown:
- Born: November 28, 1944, in Hanover, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Rubyfruit Jungle, Mrs. Murphy series, Six of One
- Awards: Lambda Literary Pioneer Award (2015), Emmy nomination (1982)
Snag Rubyfruit Jungle or a Mrs. Murphy mystery and dive into Rita Mae Brown’s wild, wonderful world—your bookshelf will thank you!