Date of Birth: February 3, 1972
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Victor LaValle is an American author known for his works that blend genres, often combining elements of horror, fantasy, and literary fiction. Born and raised in Queens, New York, LaValle has a unique voice that reflects his diverse cultural heritage, which includes African American and Ugandan ancestry. He studied at Cornell University and later obtained his MFA from Columbia University. LaValle’s debut collection of short stories, “Slapboxing with Jesus,” was published in 1999 and received critical acclaim. His subsequent novels, including “The Ecstatic,” “Big Machine,” and “The Changeling,” have solidified his reputation as a master storyteller. His works often explore themes of identity, society, and the supernatural, earning him numerous awards, including the American Book Award and the Shirley Jackson Award. Apart from his novels, LaValle has also written comic books, such as “Destroyer,” which reimagines the Frankenstein mythos for contemporary audiences. He is a professor at Columbia University, where he teaches writing, and he continues to influence and inspire new generations of writers.
5 Interesting Facts about Victor LaValle
1. Victor LaValle’s debut novel, “The Ecstatic,” was a finalist for both the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Hurston-Wright Legacy Award.
2. His novella “The Ballad of Black Tom” won the Shirley Jackson Award and was nominated for the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards.
3. LaValle has written for Marvel Comics, contributing to the “Sabretooth” series.
4. He cites influences ranging from Stephen King to Gabriel Garcia Marquez and has a deep appreciation for genre fiction.
5. LaValle’s work often addresses issues of race and social justice, blending these themes seamlessly with elements of horror and fantasy.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Victor LaValle
1. “The world is full of monsters with friendly faces.”
2. “Every day people try to get their heads around the things that have hurt them or those they love. Art is one way of doing this.”
3. “Horror is a way to confront what scares us. It’s a way to face our fears and, hopefully, to survive them.”
4. “The greatest monsters are often the ones who believe they’re doing good.”
5. “Stories are a way to preserve both the myths and the truths of our lives.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As of the most recent estimates, Victor LaValle’s net worth is approximately $1 million.
Children
Victor LaValle has two children with his wife, Emily Raboteau, who is also an accomplished author and professor.
Relevant Links
1. [Victor LaValle’s Official Website](http://www.victorlavalle.com
2. [Victor LaValle’s Goodreads Page](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/123217.Victor_LaValle
4. [Victor LaValle’s Twitter](https://twitter.com/victorlavalle
