Hillary Jordan is an acclaimed novelist known for her compelling explorations of social justice themes. Her debut novel, "Mudbound," won the 2006 Bellwether Prize for Fiction, an award founded by Barbara Kingsolver to honor socially engaged debut works. The novel also received an Alex Award from the American Library Association and was named one of Paste Magazine’s Top 10 Debut Novels of the Decade. Her second novel, "When She Woke," was a #1 Indie Next pick and earned recognition as one of BookPage’s Best Books of 2011. Both novels have been translated into multiple languages, broadening her international readership.
Jordan’s writing career began after fifteen years as an advertising copywriter, followed by an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. Her works often grapple with issues of race, gender, and morality, blending literary depth with gripping narratives. "Mudbound" was adapted into a 2017 Netflix film, which premiered at Sundance and received multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Her dystopian novel, "When She Woke," reimagines Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Scarlet Letter" in a futuristic setting, further showcasing her ability to merge classic themes with contemporary relevance.
Born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Jordan earned a BA in English and Political Science from Wellesley College before pursuing her passion for fiction. In addition to her novels, she authored the digital short "Aftermirth." Her works continue to resonate with readers and critics alike, cementing her reputation as a bold and insightful storyteller.