Jane Smiley

Frequently asked questions

• What is Jane Smiley best known for?

  Jane Smiley is widely recognized for her novel "A Thousand Acres," which reimagines Shakespeare's "King Lear" in a contemporary Iowa farming setting. This work earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

• Does Jane Smiley write in different genres?

  While often associated with literary fiction, Jane Smiley also writes historical fiction, young adult novels, and essays. Her range includes works exploring horse training and American history.

• Are any of Jane Smiley's books part of a series?

  Jane Smiley has written several series, including a trilogy that follows the lives of a family over multiple generations, starting with "Some Luck." She also has a series of young adult novels.

• Have any of Jane Smiley's books been adapted?

  Her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "A Thousand Acres," was adapted into a film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Jessica Lange.