Picture an American storyteller who weaves haunting tales of history and resilience—meet Yvonne Battle-Felton! Born in Pennsylvania, this award-winning author captured hearts with her debut novel, Remembered, a powerful exploration of slavery’s enduring scars. With a knack for blending historical fiction with raw emotion, Battle-Felton’s stories invite readers to reflect on the past while grappling with the present.
Now an academic and creative force in the UK, Yvonne Battle-Felton’s journey from a curious kid in New Jersey to a literary star is as inspiring as her prose. Her work, celebrated for its vivid characters and unflinching truths, has earned accolades like the Northern Writers’ Award and a spot on the Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore!
The Making of Yvonne Battle-Felton
Yvonne Battle-Felton grew up in New Jersey after being born in Pennsylvania, soaking up stories that would later fuel her writing. Life wasn’t always easy—after raising three children and facing redundancy, she turned a crossroads into opportunity. Enrolling in a Master’s program at Johns Hopkins University, she honed her craft in fiction and creative nonfiction. Later, a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University solidified her academic prowess. Her transatlantic move to the UK, where she now teaches at Cambridge University, added a global lens to her storytelling.
Battle-Felton’s early career was eclectic—she even considered a Bed and Breakfast class before diving fully into writing! Her persistence paid off, with short stories appearing in journals like riverSedge and anthologies such as Not Somewhere Else But Here. This groundwork set the stage for her literary breakthrough.
Yvonne Battle-Felton’s Unforgettable Stories
Battle-Felton’s debut novel, Remembered (2019), is a gut-punch of historical fiction. Set in 1910 Philadelphia, it follows Spring, an emancipated slave, as she unravels her family’s traumatic past to save her dying son. Critics hailed its lyrical prose and comparisons to Toni Morrison’s Beloved, praising its raw depiction of slavery’s legacy. Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize, it’s a must-read for fans of evocative storytelling.
Her second novel, Curdle Creek (2024), inspired by Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery, dives into darker, folkloric territory. This chilling tale explores community secrets and sacrifice, showcasing Battle-Felton’s versatility. Beyond novels, she’s penned children’s books, including six titles in Penguin Random House’s Ladybird Tales of Superheroes and Crowns and Thrones series, bringing her vivid imagination to younger readers.
Battle-Felton’s style is a tapestry of ghosts, motherhood, and unspoken histories. Her narratives dance between past and present, blending magical realism with stark reality. Whether writing for adults or kids, she champions underrepresented voices, making her work both timeless and urgent.
Why Yvonne Battle-Felton Matters
Yvonne Battle-Felton’s impact lies in her ability to make history speak. Her novels don’t just recount the past—they challenge readers to confront its echoes in today’s world. By centering Black women’s stories, she amplifies voices often silenced, earning praise for her “vital, humane” storytelling. Her academic role at Cambridge and her literary events, like the Every Other Sunday book club, foster community and creativity, inspiring new writers.
From awards to global readership, Battle-Felton’s legacy is one of courage and connection. Her work reminds us that stories can heal, provoke, and unite—a gift that keeps resonating.
About Yvonne Battle-Felton
- Birthplace: Pennsylvania, USA
- Key Works: Remembered (2019), Curdle Creek (2024), Ladybird Tales series
- Awards: Northern Writers’ Award (2017), Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist (2019)
- Fun Fact: She hosts a biweekly book club to connect readers worldwide!
Snag Remembered or Curdle Creek and dive into Yvonne Battle-Felton’s haunting, heartfelt world of historical fiction!