Picture an American storyteller who unearthed the silenced voices of women from history’s shadows—meet Serena Burdick! This bestselling author of historical fiction weaves tales that blend meticulous research with heart-wrenching drama, captivating readers worldwide. From her international hit The Girls with No Names to her evocative Find Me in Havana, Burdick’s novels shine a light on forgotten stories with a flair that keeps you glued to the page.
Burdick’s journey to literary stardom wasn’t a straight path. With a background in theater and a passion for storytelling, she transformed her creative spark into novels that resonate with readers who crave history with a human touch. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this remarkable author!
The Making of Serena Burdick
Born and raised in the small town of Millers Falls, Massachusetts, Serena Burdick grew up with a vivid imagination, spinning stories from the playground by age six. Her early love for performance led her to study at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California, dreaming of an acting career. But life had other plans. After moving to New York City, she pursued English literature at Brooklyn College, where a mentor’s encouragement to write fiction ignited her true calling. That pivotal moment, coupled with her theater-honed ability to inhabit characters, set the stage for her writing career.
Serena Burdick’s Unforgettable Stories
Burdick’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending rich historical detail with emotional depth. Her debut, Girl in the Afternoon (2016), explores a young woman’s quest for artistic independence in 1870s Paris, inspired by Burdick’s fascination with overlooked female artists like Impressionist Marie Bracquemond. The novel, which won the 2017 International Book Award for Historical Fiction, showcases her knack for vivid settings and complex family dynamics.
Her breakout hit, The Girls with No Names (2020), delves into the grim reality of New York’s House of Mercy, a workhouse for wayward girls. This USA Today and Toronto Star bestseller follows sisters Luella and Effie, unraveling themes of sisterhood and resilience against a backdrop of Gilded Age secrets. Burdick’s research, drawn from New York Public Library archives and newspaper accounts, brings authenticity to every page. Similarly, Find Me in Havana (2021) tells the dazzling yet tragic story of Cuban actress Estelita Rodriguez, blending Hollywood glamour with personal loss. Her 2022 novel, The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey, weaves a dual timeline of betrayal and discovery, cementing Burdick’s signature style: stories that give voice to women history forgot.
Burdick’s writing is immersive, with prose that balances elegance and raw emotion. Her focus on marginalized women—whether artists, actresses, or institutionalized girls—sets her apart, offering readers a fresh lens on history. Each novel feels like a time machine, transporting you to eras where women’s strength shone despite societal constraints.
Why Serena Burdick Matters
Serena Burdick’s impact lies in her ability to resurrect forgotten narratives, making history accessible and emotionally resonant. Her novels don’t just entertain; they challenge readers to reflect on the untold stories of women who shaped the past. By spotlighting figures like the inmates of Magdalene laundries or lesser-known artists, she contributes to a broader conversation about gender and visibility in historical fiction. Her international success, with books translated into nine languages, proves her stories resonate universally.
Burdick’s perseverance—from aspiring actor to bestselling author—inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and grit can carve a path to success. Her work reminds us that every life, no matter how obscure, holds a story worth telling.
- Born: Millers Falls, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Girl in the Afternoon, The Girls with No Names, Find Me in Havana, The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey
- Awards: 2017 International Book Award for Historical Fiction
- Fun Fact: Burdick once wrote a screenplay about Estelita Rodriguez before turning it into Find Me in Havana.
Snag The Girls with No Names and dive into Serena Burdick’s spellbinding historical fiction! Her stories will pull you in, break your heart, and leave you inspired by the women who came before us.