Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves tales that tackle the messiest parts of human relationships with unflinching courage—meet Sarah Henstra! A novelist and English professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Henstra crafts stories that blend sharp intellect with raw emotion, earning her the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award for her daring adult debut, The Red Word. Her work, spanning young adult and adult fiction, invites readers to grapple with complex social issues through vivid characters and lush prose.
With a knack for diving into the heart of cultural debates, Henstra’s novels resonate with readers who crave stories that challenge and inspire. From feminist activism to the nuances of identity, her books are a masterclass in balancing empathy and provocation. Let’s explore the journey of this literary trailblazer whose words continue to spark conversation.
The Making of Sarah Henstra
Born in British Columbia, Sarah Henstra’s love for literature took root early, shaped by a childhood move to Toronto at age 12. Her academic path led her to McMaster University, the University of Western Ontario, and the University of Toronto, where she earned a PhD in English. This scholarly foundation informs her writing, blending rigorous insight with creative flair. As a professor, Henstra’s classroom discussions on gender and culture fuel her storytelling, grounding her novels in real-world complexities. Her early career as a writer kicked off with young adult fiction, a genre that allowed her to explore identity and voice with a youthful lens.
Sarah Henstra’s Unforgettable Stories
Henstra’s bibliography is a tapestry of bold themes and intricate narratives. Her young adult debut, Mad Miss Mimic (2015), is a historical novel set in 19th-century London, following a young woman with a stammer who navigates high society and political intrigue. Praised for its rich detail, it earned a spot as a CLA Best Book for Teens. Her adult debut, The Red Word (2018), is a searing exploration of rape culture on a 1990s college campus, following a Canadian student caught between feminist activists and a misogynistic fraternity. Its nuanced take on gender politics won the 2018 Governor General’s Literary Award and a nomination for the Dublin International Literary Award.
In 2019, Henstra returned to young adult fiction with We Contain Multitudes, a tender epistolary novel about two teen boys whose pen-pal correspondence blossoms into love. Celebrated for its emotional depth, it was selected as the 2022 Vermont Reads program title. Henstra’s style is marked by lyrical prose, mythological undertones, and a refusal to shy away from thorny issues. Whether she’s dissecting campus dynamics or queer romance, her stories challenge readers to question assumptions and embrace ambiguity.
Currently, Henstra is working on an adult novel set in pre-WWI England, blending magic and tarot card creation—a project she describes as pushing her creative limits. Her ability to toggle between genres showcases her versatility, while her academic background lends her work a philosophical edge that sets her apart in contemporary literature.
Why Sarah Henstra Matters
Sarah Henstra’s impact lies in her fearless engagement with social issues—rape culture, gender dynamics, and identity—that resonate deeply in today’s world. Her novels don’t just entertain; they provoke thought, encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. By drawing on her experiences as a student activist and professor, Henstra bridges the gap between academic theory and lived reality, making her work both timely and timeless. Her Governor General’s Award win signals a cultural appetite for literature that dares to grapple with complexity, inspiring a new generation of writers to tackle big questions with nuance.
Henstra’s influence extends to her students, who find in her books a reflection of their own struggles with identity and justice. Her commitment to mentoring aspiring writers through creative writing workshops further cements her legacy as a literary force who empowers others to find their voice.
- Born: British Columbia, Canada
- Key Works: Mad Miss Mimic, The Red Word, We Contain Multitudes
- Awards: 2018 Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction, Dublin International Literary Award nominee
Ready to dive into Sarah Henstra’s thought-provoking world? Grab The Red Word or We Contain Multitudes and let her lyrical storytelling sweep you away!