Picture an American storyteller who weaves history, justice, and family into spellbinding tales—meet Tara Conklin! Born in St. Croix and raised in Massachusetts, this former lawyer turned New York Times bestselling author has captivated readers with her historical fiction. Her debut, The House Girl, and its follow-up, The Last Romantics, blend rich narratives with themes that linger long after the final page.
Conklin’s journey from courtrooms to novels is as fascinating as her stories. With a knack for exploring identity and human connection, she’s carved a unique space in contemporary literature, inviting readers to ponder the past and its echoes in the present.
The Making of Tara Conklin
Born in 1971 in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, Tara Conklin grew up in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where her love for books like Bridge to Terabithia sparked early. A Yale graduate with degrees in history, law, and diplomacy from Tufts and NYU, she honed a sharp mind for detail. Before writing, Conklin’s career was a global adventure—dealing cards in Costa Rica, teaching English in Madrid, and practicing law in London and New York. Her shift to fiction began while juggling legal work, with short stories earning nods from the Bridport and Bristol Short Story Prizes.
Tara Conklin’s Unforgettable Stories
Conklin’s debut, The House Girl (2013), is a gripping tale of two women—a runaway slave in 1852 Virginia and a modern-day lawyer seeking reparations for slavery’s descendants. Its seamless blend of history and suspense made it a #1 IndieNext pick and a New York Times bestseller. The Last Romantics (2019) shifts gears, tracing the Skinner siblings through decades of love, loss, and loyalty. Selected as the inaugural Today Show Book Club pick, it showcases Conklin’s knack for intimate family epics.
Her third novel, Community Board (2023), explores isolation and connection with a lighter, quirky lens, earning praise for its heartwarming community focus. Conklin’s style—lush, character-driven, and deeply researched—bridges eras, tackling justice, identity, and family bonds. Her legal background informs her nuanced take on social issues, while her prose invites readers into vivid, emotional worlds.
Why Tara Conklin Matters
Tara Conklin’s work resonates because it confronts hard truths with humanity. Her stories illuminate the ripple effects of history, from slavery’s scars to the fragility of family ties, making her a vital voice in historical fiction. By centering strong, complex women, she challenges readers to reflect on justice and resilience. Her global perspective and storytelling prowess have earned her a devoted readership, with translations in eight languages.
Conklin’s influence extends beyond books. As a writing coach at The Novelry, she nurtures new voices, and her essays in Vogue and LitHub spark conversations about home and desire. Her ability to blend heart and intellect ensures her stories endure.
About Tara Conklin
- Born: 1971, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
- Key Works: The House Girl, The Last Romantics, Community Board
- Notable Honors: New York Times bestseller, Today Show Book Club pick, #1 IndieNext pick
- Fun Fact: She once worked at a casino in Costa Rica!
Snag The House Girl and dive into Tara Conklin’s captivating historical fiction today!