Jesmyn Ward

Date of Birth: April 1, 1977

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

Jesmyn Ward is an acclaimed American novelist and professor, known for her poignant and powerful storytelling that often focuses on African American life in the rural South. Born in DeLisle, Mississippi, Ward has become a significant voice in contemporary literature, often drawing from her personal experiences and the socio-economic challenges of her upbringing to craft her narratives. Ward graduated from Stanford University with a BA in English and later received her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. Her first novel, “Where the Line Bleeds,” was published in 2008 and garnered immediate attention for its authentic portrayal of life in a small Mississippi town. However, it was her second novel, “Salvage the Bones,” that catapulted her to national prominence, winning the National Book Award for Fiction in 2011. The novel, which tells the story of a family in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina, was praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. In 2017, Ward again won the National Book Award for her novel “Sing, Unburied, Sing,” making her the first woman to win the award twice. The novel explores themes of race, poverty, and the supernatural in a deeply affecting narrative. In addition to her novels, Ward has also published a memoir, “Men We Reaped,” which examines the deaths of five young men in her life, including her brother, and a collection of essays titled “The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race,” which she edited. Ward currently serves as a professor of Creative Writing at Tulane University and continues to write, mentor young writers, and advocate for social justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Jesmyn Ward

1. Jesmyn Ward is the first woman to win the National Book Award for Fiction twice.

2. Her memoir, “Men We Reaped,” deals with the loss of five young men in her life, including her brother, and the impact of systemic racism and poverty.

3. Ward’s work often centers on the experiences of African Americans in the rural South, particularly in Mississippi.

4. She was a Stegner Fellow at Stanford University, one of the most prestigious fellowships for writers.

5. In 2017, she was named a MacArthur “Genius” Grant Fellow, recognizing her exceptional creativity and potential.