Carrie Brown (born May 29, 1959) is an American novelist. She is the author of seven novels and a collection of short stories. Her most recent novel, The Stargazer's Sister, was published by Pantheon Books in January 2016.
In a starred review of her second novel, Lamb in Love (Algonquin 1999), Publishers Weekly wrote "Brown eloquently explores the terrain of human interactions, showing how genuine love can exalt ordinary individuals."[3]The New York Times Book Review called the novel "unconventional and eloquent."[4]
The Hatbox Baby (Algonquin 2000) won the 2001 Library of Virginia Literary Award,[5] the 2001 Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association Award,[6] and the 2000 Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize.[7]
Brown's story collection The House on Belle Isle (Algonquin) appeared in 2002. It was a finalist for the 2003 Library of Virginia Literary Award,[5] and the Chicago Tribune called it "rich in image and insight, gracefully written and peopled with characters who quietly demand our loving attention."[8]
Confinement (Algonquin 2004) won the 2005 Library of Virginia Literary Award [9] In its review of the book, People Magazine wrote:
"This beautiful novel maps the emotional life of a World War II refugee who becomes trapped in his new existence in America" and called it "part Sophie's Choice, part Anne Tyler."[10]
Brown's novel The Rope Walk (Pantheon 2007) was a finalist for the 2008 Library of Virginia Literary Award [9] and the 2008 Library of Virginia People's Choice Award.[11] In addition, it was named the 2009 All Iowa Reads Book by the Iowa Public Library.[12] The Washington Post Book World called the novel "gentle, lyrical" and the New Orleans Times Picayune said: "reading this novel is a serious pleasure."[13]
Awards and honors
The Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers Award – 1998
The Library of Virginia Literary Award – Winner 2001, 2005; Finalist 2003, 2007
