Penn Creative Writing alum Alina Grabowski (C'16) has released her debut novel Women and Children First (SJP Lit). A gripping literary puzzle that unwinds the private lives of ten women as they confront tragedy in a small Massachusetts town, Women and Children First has been name a "Most Anticipated Book of 2024" by Debutiful, Oprah Daily, and Goodreads; a "Most Anticipated Book of Spring 2024" by the New York Times; and a "Best Book of 2024 (So Far)" by Vogue.
Reflecting on her experience at Penn, Alina writes, "I made some of my best friends at the Kelly Writers House, passed a blissful week writing as the recipient of Lisa Smith’s and Buzz Bissinger’s residency, and spent my Friday afternoons facilitating writing workshops for local middle school students (just to name some of the highlights!). The faculty are not only brilliant but accessible — Karen Rile, Max Apple, and Lorene Cary’s generosity gave me necessary encouragement and insightful criticism as I wrote and revised my fiction. I’m so grateful that my teachers at Penn not only showed me how to be a better writer, but set an example for how to be an engaged literary citizen. Writing can be frustrating, lonely, and damn difficult. I think of my mentors and fellow students at Penn when I need to remember how inspiring and joyful it can be.”
Learn more about Women and Children First here and check out fellow Penn CW alum Kristen Martin's review of Alina's novel at the link below.