Summary
Natasha Bowen is a Nigerian-Welsh writer and teacher. She writes fantasy books for young adults.[1][2] She is best known for her New York Times Bestselling novel Skin of the Sea.[3][4]
Natasha Bowen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Cambridge, England |
| Occupation | Writer, teacher |
| Nationality | Nigerian Welsh |
| Education | Bath Spa University |
| Period | 2020–present |
| Genre | Fantasy, Young Adult |
| Notable works | Skin of the Sea |
| Website | |
| natashabowen | |
Early life and education edit
Natasha Bowen was born in Cambridge, England, to a Nigerian Yoruba father and a Welsh mother. She grew up in Cambridge with little exposure to her Nigerian heritage, with which she would later connect in life and use in writing her novel.[5][6] She studied Creative Writing at Bath Spa University. After graduating, she moved to East London, where she became a teacher.[1]
Personal life edit
Bowen has three children. She lives in the UK with her family.[1]
Career edit
Bowen's debut novel Skin of the Sea, the first book in the Of Mermaid and Orisa series inspired by her Nigerian heritage, African folklore, Yoruba culture, and her love for mermaids, was published on 2 November 2021 by Random House. She wrote the novel while teaching full-time in a school.[2][5]
The novel follows Simi, a Mami Wata who travels across sea and land in search of the Supreme Creator after breaking a law that threatens the existence of all Mami Wata. The book entered the New York Times[3] and Indie bestseller lists and received several positive reviews from book reviewers who praised the novel for its similarities with The Little Mermaid and the use of Black mermaids and Yoruba culture to show the Transatlantic Slave Trade.[7][8][9]
Bibliography edit
Of Mermaid and Orisa Series
- Skin of the Sea. (November 2, 2021) Random House
- Soul of the Deep. (forthcoming, 2022) Random House
References edit
- ^ a b c "Natasha Bowen". Penguin Random House. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Q&A With Natasha Bowen, Skin of the Sea". We Need Diverse Books. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ a b "SKin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ Harlan, Jennifer (9 November 2021). "4 New Y.A. Fantasy Novels Full of Dark, Enchanting Twists". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ a b "An Indies Introduce Q&A With Natasha Bowen". American Booksellers Association. 22 October 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ Eddy, Cheryl (26 October 2021). "A Mermaid Tests Her Fate in West African-Inspired Tale Skin of the Sea". Gizmodo. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ Paxson, Caitlyn (28 October 2021). "'Skin of the Sea' sends its little mermaid swimming into very different waters". NPR. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ "Children's Book Review: Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen". Publishers Weekly. 23 September 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ "SKIN OF THE SEA". Kirkus Reviews. 15 September 2021.