Elizabeth Kostova is a critically acclaimed author, well-known for her engaging and meticulously researched novels. Born as Elizabeth Z. Johnson in New London, Connecticut, she was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she completed her high school education at the Webb School of Knoxville. Kostova then went on to attend Yale University, where she received her undergraduate degree. She subsequently earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, where she won the prestigious Hopwood Award for her Novel-in-Progress.
Kostova's writing career has been marked by her ability to combine her academic background with her creative talents. Her debut novel, The Historian, was published in 2005 and quickly became a bestseller. The novel is the result of a decade of research and showcases Kostova's lifelong fascination with the story of Dracula, which her father had introduced to her in her childhood. With its intricate plot and suspenseful atmosphere, The Historian is a testament to Kostova's storytelling abilities and her dedication to creating immersive worlds.
In addition to her work as an author, Kostova is also deeply committed to supporting the literary community. In 2007, she established the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation, which aims to foster creativity and friendship among Bulgarian, American, and British authors. The Foundation supports Bulgarian creative writing and the translation of contemporary Bulgarian literature into English, reflecting Kostova's own experience as a writer and her connections to Bulgaria, where her husband's family is from.
Kostova has released several novels since her debut, including The Swan Thieves in 2010 and The Shadow Land in 2017. These works have further solidified her reputation as a skilled and captivating writer, who continues to captivate readers with her intricate tales of mystery and suspense.