Jane Mendelsohn is an American author best known for her critically acclaimed debut novel, "I Was Amelia Earhart," which became an international bestseller and was shortlisted for the Orange Prize. Her other published works include "Innocence" and "American Music," the latter of which received widespread praise upon its release by Knopf in 2010. Mendelsohn's novels often explore themes of identity, memory, and transformation, blending historical and contemporary narratives with lyrical prose.
Born and raised in New York City, Mendelsohn attended Yale University, where she graduated summa cum laude and was recognized as a Connecticut Student Poet. After briefly studying law at Yale Law School, she left to pursue writing, beginning her career with literary reviews in publications such as the Village Voice, The Guardian, and the New York Times Book Review. Her work has been noted for its evocative storytelling and stylistic elegance, earning her a place among prominent literary voices of her generation. Mendelsohn continues to reside in New York City with her family.