Rachel Kushner Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

An essayist and writer of fiction, the American novelist Rachel Kushner is highly regarded for her unique and perceptive style of writing. Following on in the footsteps of writers such as Don DeLillo, of whom she has cited as a major influence, she has made a name for herself as a highly articulate and concise writer. Creating fiction that immerses her reader, she writes in a tone that resonates with readers from far and wide, all across the globe.

Early and Personal Life-story

Born in 1968 in Eugene in Oregon, the future writer Rachel Kushner would grow up with a strong passion for the written word. Helping her mother from the age of five in a feminist bookstore, she would come to realize that this was what she ultimately wanted to do with her life. Later her family would move on to San Francisco in 1979, as she continued to pursue writing as a craft throughout the years.

Attending UC Berkeley at the young age of just sixteen, she would soon go on to gain a Bachelor’s in Political Economy whilst there. Following this she would later study as an exchange student in Italy at the age eighteen, whereby she would complete her Bachelor of Arts. At twenty six she would go on to get her MFA in 2000 from Columbia University in the subject of creative writing.

During her early twenties, prior to attending Columbia she would come to experience a lot, all of which would go back into her work. Living in San Francisco she would work in nightclubs there, along with riding a bike and taking in everything that the city really had to offer. This would allow her to refine her voice, turning her into the writer that she currently is today, with her own unique personality and style.

Still writing to this very day, she has a lot more to come yet, with plenty more titles planned for release in the near future. Always on the lookout for a new idea with which to base her next novel on, she always manages to bring her own sense of style to the table. This is something that will carry on for a long time to come, marking her as a definite writer to watch in the many years to follow.

Writing Career

Publishing her first novel in 2013, Rachel Kushner would make her debut onto the literary scene with the novel ‘Telex From Cuba’. This would effectively utilize her knowledge of Latin America and its history, something she learned during her education, giving her the necessary background to undertake the book. What this then leads to is a highly engrossing and intelligent read incorporating the rich history of this country, making it a highly authentic story.

Not writing series as such, she mainly focuses on telling stories from a stand-alone perspective, keeping all of her titles self-contained. This has led to her having an extremely singular voice that really stands apart from the rest, allowing her to be unique in of herself. Knowing and understanding her craft completely, she also puts a lot of herself into her work, thus ensuring that it is entirely personal to her.

Over the years her efforts have also attracted the attention of many a critic, as she’s also gained good reviews too. Winning various nominations and awards, many have discovered her work from all across the globe, something which has continue with every passing day. With many turning to her work regardless of their background, her work has also managed to resonate on a universal level too throughout the years.

Continuing to write, she has a large output of work, with more novels arriving on a regular and consistent basis. Maintaining a strong presence both online as well as off, she manages to keep herself busy, whilst also being a proactive spokesperson for her craft too. With a lot more to come, this is something that will carry on into the foreseeable future for many years to come yet, as she doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon.

Telex From Cuba

Originally published through the Scribner outlet, this would initially be released in 2008 on the 1st of July to much acclaim. Not a part of any series as such, it would be a period piece charting a portion of America’s history, along with that of Cuba. Her first full debut novel too, it is the ideal starting point for anyone hoping to discover her work for the first time as well.

Telling the story of the Americans who were driven out of Cuba in 1958, this charts their journey from the Cuban revolution. Tending to their fiefdom in the Oriente Province, the Americans here oversee the hundred thousand acres of United Fruit Company sugar-cane plantations, which is where young K.C. Stites and Everly Lederer come into the story. Thousands of miles away in Havana the seeds of revolution are brewing, as Raul and Fidel Castro are leading the way from the mountains above the plantations. Where will they go? Can things ever be the same again? What will become of the telex from Cuba?

The Flamethrowers

Published through the Scribner publishing house once again, this manages to capture a period in time like before too. First released on 2nd of April in 2013, this would also be a stand-alone title too, creating an engaging tone for the duration of the novel. With it being her second novel too, it really manages to chart a development of her as an author, making it essential for any of her fans.

Set in 1975, this period piece follows the character of Reno, as she heads off to New York with the intent of making art. Focused on her love of motorcycles and speed, she aims to use this to inspire her there, as she heads into the cultural explosion that was taking place in the East Village at the time. Finding herself among the many artists of the time there, she soon falls for the artist Sandro Valera, an individual looking to make his own name away from his family empire of Italian tires and motorcycles. Will Reno find her own voice? Can she make it in this new world? What will become of the flamethrowers?