Sena Jeter Naslund

Sena Jeter Naslund is a renowned American novelist whose work is celebrated by critics and readers alike. Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1942, Naslund is known for her works of historical fiction, particularly those set in the American South during the Civil War era. Drawing on her Southern upbringing and experiences, Naslund’s writing has been extremely influential in exploring themes of racial identity and oppression.

Naslund received her undergraduate degree in English from Birmingham-Southern College and then went on to receive three master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in creative writing from Hollins College, and a Ph.D. from The University of Pennsylvania. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the works of William Faulkner.

Naslund’s writing career began in 1982 when she wrote her first novel, A Habitation of Dragons. The book tells the story of a young girl’s struggles to survive the chaotic and dangerous world of the old south. It was followed by A feature of Force in 1985. This second novel follows the story of a group of runaway slaves, and the story of how they fight to be free despite the inexorable force of slavery weighing upon their lives.

The following year, Naslund published A Time of War, which is set in the American Civil War era. The novel follows two families and their struggles to survive and thrive during a time of conflict and volatility. In 1996, Naslund released her next novel, The Florabama Ladies Book Club and Drawing Society. This work is centered around a book club composed of African American women from the rural town of Florabama, and how the members form an unexpected bond through the love of reading.

Naslund continued her exploration of the past in the 2000 novel Abundance, A Novel of Marie Antoinette. The novel follows the story of Marie Antoinette, her struggles with being a queen who is both beloved and reviled by courtiers and the public. Naslund’s book follows Marie’s rise to power as well as her ultimate demise.

In 2006, Naslund published her novel, Adam & Eve. The work follows Adam, a boy growing up in rural Alabama, and how his choice to stay in the region during the civil rights struggles of the 1950s affects him and those around him.

Naslund’s most recent novel is the 2014 work, Four Spirits. Set in Birmingham during the Civil Rights era, the novel follows four friends as they fight for their rights and strive for a better future for all.

Sena Jeter Naslund has received a number of accolades for her work over the years, including several awards from the American Library Association and the Southern Book Critics Circle. In addition, her body of work has been widely celebrated by academics, readers, and critics alike. Her books have been featured in numerous reviews and anthologies, and they have been translated into multiple languages. Without a doubt, Naslund’s work will live on for many years to come as readers will forever be inspired by her beautiful and powerful stories.