Melanie Benjamin

Melanie Benjamin is a renowned historical and literary fiction author, best known for her New York Times bestselling novels. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and had a deep love for reading from a young age. Benjamin's passion for reading led her to become a repeat winner of her local library's summer reading program.\n \nBenjamin's bibliography includes several highly acclaimed novels, such as "The Swans of Fifth Avenue" and "The Aviator's Wife," as well as the national bestseller "Alice I Have Been" and "The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb." Her work also includes "The Girls in the Picture," "Mistress of the Ritz," and "The Children's Blizzard." Benjamin's novels often explore the untold stories and hidden histories behind famous figures and events.

Benjamin's writing combines her passion for history and biography, making her a unique voice in historical fiction. Her novels often focus on the stories behind the stories, shedding light on the lives of fascinating historical figures. Her most recent novel, "The Girls in the Picture," tells the story of the first true female partnership in Hollywood between silent film star Mary Pickford and her collaborator Frances Marion.

Benjamin's work has been met with critical acclaim and commercial success. Her novels have been New York Times, USA Today, and IndieBound bestsellers, and she has built a dedicated following of readers who appreciate her meticulous research and engaging storytelling. Her next novel, "California Golden," was released in August 2023 and explores the vibrant surf culture of 1960s California. When she's not writing, Benjamin enjoys gardening, taking long walks, and rooting for the Cubs. She continues to reside in the Chicago area with her family.
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 Jumble Pie 2007
2 Alice I Have Been 2009
3 The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb 2011
4 The Ambassador's Daughter / The Aviator's Wife 2013
5 The Swans of Fifth Avenue 2016
6 The Girls in the Picture 2018
7 Mistress of the Ritz 2019
8 The Children's Blizzard 2021
9 California Golden 2023
Short Stories/Novellas
# Title Year
1 Reckless Hearts 2015
Super Mom Books (as)
# Title Year
1 Confessions of Super Mom 2005
2 Super Mom Saves the World 2007
Melanie Benjamin Anthologies
# Title Year
1 It's a Boy: Women Writers on Raising Sons 2005
2 Grand Central 2014