Jane Hamilton

Jane Hamilton is an American novelist who was born on July 13, 1957, in Oak Park, Illinois. She grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and later attended Carleton College in Minnesota, where she studied English literature. After her graduation, Hamilton worked in various jobs before dedicating herself to writing full-time.

Her first novel, 'The Book of Ruth', was published in 1988 and received critical acclaim, winning the PEN/Hemingway Foundation Award for a best first novel. The book is a detailed portrayal of life in a small Midwestern town, told through the eyes of Ruth, a young woman with a challenging family life. This novel was later selected for Oprah Winfrey's Book Club in 1996, which significantly boosted its popularity.

Beyond 'The Book of Ruth', Jane Hamilton has written several other novels, including 'A Map of the World', which was also adapted into a movie, and 'The Excellent Lombards'. Her works often explore themes of rural life, family complexities, and personal resilience. Hamilton continues to write and resides in an orchard farmhouse in Wisconsin, where she finds inspiration for her stories.

Books

The Book of Ruth