Emma Straub

When it comes to modern literary fiction, Emma Straub is a name readers know for her bestsellers, The Vacationers and Modern Lovers. But beyond her prized novels and short stories, Straub is becoming one of the most beloved authors the literary world has ever seen.

Raised in New York City and currently living in Brooklyn, Straub is a dedicated mother and wife who has continually sought out creative ways to make a living. As she explains in a 2018 New Yorker article, she started writing in 2004 as a way to make ends meet while working in her family’s deli.

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Straub’s first novel, Fly-by-Night, was a comedy-romance centered around a journal kept by a young girl. The popularity of this book allowed her to continue writing professionally, and soon she was developing full-length books. She followed This Is Your Life, another story based off of a journal, with Other People We Married, a collection of short stories featuring complicated characters navigating real-world issues. This work was followed by The Vacationers and Modern Lovers, two books that won critical acclaim for their vivid settings and characterization.

The Vacationers, released in 2014, tells the story of a strained family from New York who take a joint trip to Mallorca, Spain. Here all kinds of secrets come to light and characters have to find a way to come to terms with their true identities. Through the engaging plot and strong characterization, readers get to explore the idea of family and belonging.

In 2016, Straub released her next novel, Modern Lovers. This novel is about a group of old friends living in Brooklyn and the secrets that begin to unravel when an old band member resurfaces. Through the inner and outer conflicts that form the core of the story, readers get to explore the question of how diversity and change can force a redefinition of life and relationships.

In addition to her novels, Straub has published many other works, including pieces of journalism, children’s books and travel guides. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, the New York Times and Glamour, providing thoughtful insight into topics such as relationships and lifestyle.

The undeniable brilliance of Emma Straub has made her one of the most renowned authors in modern literature. There’s something special about her writing that connects with readers, allowing them to relate to her characters and experience the stories in a deeply personal way. Whether it’s in her novels, short stories or essays, Straub will continue to leave her mark on the literary world for many years to come.