Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett
b. 2 December 1963 · From United States- Books
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About
Ann Patchett was born in Los Angeles, California, and moved with her family to Nashville, Tennessee at age six. She attended Sarah Lawrence College and the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop.
In 1990, during a residential fellowship at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts, she wrote her first novel, The Patron Saint of Liars, which was named a New York Times Notable Book for 1992. Her second novel, Taft (1994), was awarded the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize for fiction.
Her fourth novel, Bel Canto (2001), won the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize, and sold over a million copies in the United States. Her memoir, Truth & Beauty, which chronicled her relationship with Lucy Grealy during Grealy's death from cancer, was published in 2004. She was the editor for Best American Short Stories 2006.
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Frequently asked questions
Ann Patchett is widely recognized for her literary fiction, often exploring themes of family, community, and unexpected connections. Her novel "Bel Canto" is particularly acclaimed, winning both the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize.
Ann Patchett's novel "Bel Canto" was adapted into a film starring Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe. Her novel "The Dutch House" was also adapted into an audiobook narrated by Tom Hanks.
For readers new to Ann Patchett, "Bel Canto" is often recommended as an excellent entry point due to its compelling narrative and critical acclaim. "The Dutch House" also offers a strong introduction to her character-driven storytelling.
While primarily known for her literary fiction, Ann Patchett has also published several collections of essays, offering readers a glimpse into her personal reflections and observations.
Yes. In 2021, President Biden awarded Ann Patchett the National Humanities Medal in recognition of her contributions to American culture and literature. In 2026, the Library of Congress named her the recipient of its Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, honoring her body of work.