Mona Awad

Mona Awad, born in Montreal in 1978, is a Canadian novelist and short story writer recognized for her darkly humorous literary style. Her background includes a multicultural upbringing, with a father of Egyptian Muslim heritage and a mother of French-Canadian, Serbian, and Irish descent. Awad pursued higher education extensively, earning degrees from York University, the University of Edinburgh, Brown University, and the University of Denver. She has been based in the United States since 2009 and has held an academic position at Syracuse University since 2020.

Awad's literary career began with her debut novel, "13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl," which garnered significant acclaim, including a shortlisting for the Giller Prize and the Amazon.ca First Novel Award. This work delves into themes of body image and personal struggle, inspired by her own experiences. Her subsequent novels, "Bunny," "All's Well," and "Rouge," have also received critical attention and award nominations, particularly in the horror genre. Her short fiction has appeared in various literary magazines, and she once wrote under the pseudonym Veronica Tartley. Awad aims for her writing to foster a sense of connection among readers, helping them feel less isolated.

Mona Awad is known for her distinctive blend of dark comedy and the uncanny, often exploring the psychological landscapes of her characters. Her novels frequently feature elements that blur the lines between reality and the surreal, creating unsettling yet compelling narratives. Themes of identity, body image, and the pressures of social conformity are recurrent. "13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl," for instance, directly addresses the lifelong challenges associated with body image, drawing from Awad's personal experiences. This focus on internal struggles and the often-absurd ways individuals navigate them is a hallmark of her work. Her writing often invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and society through a darkly humorous lens.

Beyond her acclaimed novels, Mona Awad has a robust academic and publishing background. She has contributed short fiction and non-fiction pieces to notable publications such as McSweeney's and The Walrus. Her academic journey has led her to prestigious institutions, culminating in a PhD. Since 2020, she has served as an assistant professor at Syracuse University, contributing to the literary community through teaching and mentorship. Her early career also saw her utilize the pseudonym Veronica Tartley for her column in Maisonneuve. Awad's stated goal for her writing is to create a sense of connection for her readers, aiming to alleviate feelings of loneliness.

“She has stated that she hopes her stories provide readers with "a sense of connection" so that "people [may] feel less alone."”

“Awad has been quoted as saying she "made [music] playlists for every chapter" in 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl because it helped her "immerse" herself in the story and better "access it."”