Picture an American storyteller who whisked readers to the untamed New York frontier with lush, heartfelt tales—meet Sara Donati! Writing under her pen name, Rosina Lippi crafts historical fiction that blends meticulous research with vibrant characters. Her Wilderness series, starting with the international bestseller Into the Wilderness, has captivated readers with its sweeping narratives and emotional depth, making her a beloved voice in the genre.
Born in Chicago and now nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Donati’s journey from academia to authorship is as fascinating as her novels. With a knack for breathing life into 18th and 19th-century America, she invites readers to lose themselves in stories of love, courage, and adventure.
The Making of Sara Donati
Rosina Lippi, the woman behind Sara Donati, was born on January 14, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, to an Italian immigrant father. Growing up on the city’s northwest side, she developed a love for stories early on. At 17, she ventured to Austria on an American Field Service scholarship, later earning a PhD in linguistics from Princeton University. After teaching for over a decade, Lippi shifted her focus to storytelling, adopting the pen name Sara Donati to distinguish her historical fiction from her academic and contemporary works. Her fascination with history and strong female characters fueled her transition, setting the stage for her literary success.
Sara Donati’s Unforgettable Stories
Donati’s Wilderness series, spanning six novels from 1792 to 1825, follows the Bonner family through the rugged landscapes of upstate New York. Into the Wilderness (1998) introduces Elizabeth Middleton, a spirited Englishwoman who defies convention to teach in a remote village, sparking a romance with Nathaniel Bonner. This debut became an international bestseller, praised for its rich historical detail and compelling characters. Sequels like Dawn on a Distant Shore (2000) and The Endless Forest (2009) weave adventure, romance, and cultural clashes, earning Donati a loyal following.
In 2015, Donati launched the Waverly Place series with The Gilded Hour, leaping forward to 1883 Manhattan to follow the Bonner descendants, female doctors navigating love and societal challenges. Its sequel, Where the Light Enters (2019), continues this saga, while her latest novel, The Sweet Blue Distance (2024), explores the American West through a young midwife’s eyes. Donati’s style blends historical accuracy with emotional resonance, crafting heroines who are bold, complex, and deeply human.
Her novels often draw inspiration from literary giants like Jane Austen, infusing her characters with wit and introspection. Donati’s meticulous research—poring over 19th-century newspapers and maps—grounds her stories in authenticity, making the past feel vividly alive.
Why Sara Donati Matters
Sara Donati’s impact lies in her ability to illuminate overlooked corners of history through strong female perspectives. Her novels celebrate women who defy societal norms, from frontier schoolteachers to pioneering physicians, resonating with readers seeking empowering historical narratives. With over a million copies of the Wilderness series in print, Donati has carved a niche in historical fiction, blending romance and adventure without succumbing to genre stereotypes. Her work bridges the gap between academic rigor and accessible storytelling, inviting readers to explore America’s past with fresh eyes.
Fans praise her for crafting characters who feel like old friends, with stories that offer solace and inspiration. Donati’s dedication to historical accuracy and diverse voices continues to shape the genre, ensuring her legacy endures.
- Born: January 14, 1956, Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: Into the Wilderness, The Gilded Hour, The Sweet Blue Distance
- Awards: PEN/Hemingway Award (as Rosina Lippi for Homestead)
- Resides: Pacific Northwest, with her husband, daughter, and pets
Ready to wander the wilderness or stroll 19th-century Manhattan? Snag Into the Wilderness or The Gilded Hour and dive into Sara Donati’s enchanting historical fiction!