Jessica Francis Kane is an acclaimed novelist and short story writer whose works have garnered national recognition and literary accolades. Her upcoming novel, "FONSECA," set for publication by Penguin Press in August 2025, explores English writer Penelope Fitzgerald's enigmatic journey to northern Mexico in 1952 and has been named a most-anticipated book by outlets such as the Los Angeles Times and LitHub. Kane's previous novel, "RULES FOR VISITING" (2019), became a national bestseller and was celebrated as one of the year's best books by Oprah Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and others, while also earning a spot as a finalist for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize in the UK. Her debut novel, "THE REPORT" (2010), was a finalist for the Center for Fiction's First Novel Prize and was later adapted into a stage production in New York City.
Kane's writing spans fiction and essays, often characterized by its keen observational depth and exploration of human connections. Her short story collection, "THIS CLOSE" (2013), received widespread praise, earning longlist placements for The Story Prize and the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Prize, alongside recognition as a best book of the year by NPR. Her shorter works have appeared in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Granta, and The Yale Review, showcasing her versatility across genres. Born in Berkeley, California, and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kane graduated from Yale University before working in publishing in New York and Washington, D.C.
A recipient of fellowships from The MacDowell Colony and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Kane continues to contribute to literary conversations through her nuanced storytelling. She divides her time between New York City and Connecticut, where she focuses on her writing. With a career marked by critical acclaim and a dedicated readership, Kane remains a distinctive voice in contemporary literature.