Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of identity, resistance, and speculative wonder—meet Rivers Solomon! This American author, now based in the UK, has taken the literary world by storm with their genre-bending speculative fiction. Known for works like An Unkindness of Ghosts and The Deep, Solomon crafts narratives that explore the margins of society with raw emotion and sharp insight, earning them a Lambda Award and nominations for the Nebula, Hugo, and Locus Awards.
With a voice that’s both lyrical and unflinching, Solomon’s stories dive into themes of race, trauma, and queerness, all wrapped in the thrilling possibilities of Afrofuturism and gothic fiction. Ready to discover a writer who challenges norms and sparks imagination? Let’s dive into Rivers Solomon’s world!
The Making of Rivers Solomon
Born in the United States, Rivers Solomon describes themself as a 'refugee of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade,' a powerful nod to their heritage that shapes their storytelling. They earned a BA in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity from Stanford University and an MFA in Fiction Writing from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin. Now living in Cambridge, UK, with their family, Solomon identifies as non-binary and intersex, using fae/faer and they/them pronouns. Their neurodivergence—living with ADHD and autism—adds depth to their perspective, making their work resonate with those who feel like outsiders.
Solomon’s journey to authorship wasn’t a straight path but a vibrant exploration of identity and expression. Inspired by their academic background and personal experiences, they began crafting stories that blend speculative and literary elements, carving a unique niche in Afrofuturism. Their bold, unapologetic voice emerged as a beacon for marginalized readers.
Rivers Solomon’s Unforgettable Stories
Solomon’s debut novel, An Unkindness of Ghosts (2017), is a science fiction masterpiece set on a generation ship where racial hierarchies mirror antebellum slavery. Praised as a best book of 2017 by NPR and The Guardian, it won a Firecracker Award and was a Stonewall Honor Book, lauded for its fierce protagonist and haunting exploration of trauma.
Their second work, The Deep (2019), is a lyrical novella inspired by the Hugo-nominated song by Clipping. It imagines water-dwelling descendants of enslaved African women, with historian Yetu grappling with her people’s traumatic memories. Winning the 2020 Lambda Literary Award, it’s celebrated for its Afrofuturist lens and emotional depth. Sorrowland (2021), a gothic fiction blend, follows Vern, a pregnant fugitive, as she uncovers America’s violent history. This genre-bending novel won the Otherwise Award and was hailed for tackling racism, queerness, and motherhood.
Solomon’s style is a tapestry of lush prose, philosophical queries, and unflinching social commentary. Whether it’s the stark corridors of a starship or the depths of an underwater utopia, their worlds are vivid, their characters unforgettable. Short stories in publications like The Paris Review and The New York Times further showcase their versatility.
Why Rivers Solomon Matters
Rivers Solomon’s impact lies in their ability to center marginalized voices—Black, queer, neurodivergent—in speculative fiction, a genre often dominated by mainstream narratives. Their work challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about history and society while offering hope through resilience and community. By blending Afrofuturism with literary depth, Solomon redefines what speculative fiction can be, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers.
Their awards and nominations underscore their influence, but it’s the emotional resonance of their stories that truly captivates. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and X praise Solomon for crafting worlds that feel both alien and intimately human, making their work a vital contribution to contemporary literature.
- Born: 1988, United States
- Key Works: An Unkindness of Ghosts, The Deep, Sorrowland
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award (2020), Otherwise Award (2021), Firecracker Award (2018)
- Pronouns: Fae/faer, they/them
Snag The Deep or Sorrowland and dive into Rivers Solomon’s bold, beautiful speculative fiction! You’ll find worlds that challenge, inspire, and linger long after the last page.