Evan S. Connell

Evan S. Connell (1924-2013) was a two-time National Book Award finalist and the author of seven acclaimed novels. Known for his deeply psychological themes and lyrical writing style, Connell was an influential figure in 20th century literature.

Connell was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1924. Raised by a single father who worked as a newspaper reporter, he served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947 before attending the University of San Francisco. After receiving a Master's Degree in English from Stanford University in 1950, Connell worked as a teacher and editor at Stanford until 1957.

Connell's first novel, The Invisible World, was published in 1955. The novel is a lyrical exploration of a love affair between a young woman and a married man. In 1957, Connell published Mrs. Bridge, a collection of short stories about a middle-class Indianpolis housewife's mundane day-to-day struggles. The character of Mrs. Bridge would later be the basis for the lead role in the 1989 feature film of the same name.

In 1965, Connell published his most famous work, the novel Mr. Bridge. This book is a sequel to Mrs. Bridge and tells the story of the protagonist's husband. The book was nominated for the National Book Award and later adapted into the feature film Mr. and Mrs. Bridge which starred Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.

In 1975, Connell published The Connoisseur, a novel set during the Jazz Age of 1920s America. Connell’s next novel, The Dawn―published in 1980―focused on the tragic consequences of a Native American man's life in early 20th century California. The book was a National Book Award finalist and praised for its depth of character and insight into the struggles of Native Americans.

In 1985, Connell released his last novel, published before his death in 2013, The White Lantern. This book focuses on themes of love and values, and was praised by critics for its insight into mid-20th century Spanish life.

Connell's work is known for its realism, introspection, and lyrical prose. He viewed his work as a craft, taking great measures to ensure that his novels and stories were crafted with precision and accuracy. His exploration of themes like relationships, family, class, and individual struggles, are timeless and relevant.

Evan S. Connell was, and still is, an influential figure in 20th century literature. His works are masterful portraits of life and of the struggles between the individual and society. By exploring the complex emotions and psychology of his characters, Connell was able to craft stories and novels that are deeply affecting and rewarding reads.