Ellen Litman

Ellen Litman is a Russian-American author and professor known for her fiction writing that explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the experience of Russian Jews in America. Her debut story collection, The Last Chicken in America (2007), earned widespread critical attention and was a finalist for multiple awards including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Litman draws from her own experience as a Russian immigrant who came to the United States in 1992. Her work frequently focuses on the Russian-Jewish immigrant community in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, examining both the struggles and humor found in the immigrant experience. The author teaches creative writing at the University of Connecticut, where she serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Creative Writing. Her fiction and essays have appeared in numerous publications including Ploughshares, Best New American Voices, and The Forward. Her second book, Mannequin Girl (2014), is a coming-of-age novel set in 1980s Soviet Union that follows a young girl with scoliosis navigating life in a Moscow school for children with special needs. The work continues Litman's examination of Russian Jewish identity while expanding into themes of disability and childhood resilience.

Ellen Litman's readers appreciate her nuanced portrayal of Russian immigrant experiences, particularly in "The Last Chicken in America." Multiple reviews note her attention to cultural details and the authenticity in depicting both Soviet and American life. Readers highlight her ability to connect linked stories into a cohesive narrative and praise her understated humor. Several Amazon reviewers specifically connect with the Pittsburgh setting and her portrayal of the city's immigrant communities. Common criticisms focus on pacing issues and character development. Some readers report difficulty connecting with protagonists or following multiple storylines. A few reviews mention that her writing style can feel distant or detached. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (The Last Chicken in America) Amazon: 4.1/5 (The Last Chicken in America) 3.9/5 (The Mannequin Girl) Total review count across major platforms is relatively modest (under 500 combined reviews), suggesting a dedicated but smaller readership.

The Last Chicken in America (2007) A collection of linked stories following Russian-Jewish immigrants in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh during the 1990s.

Mannequin Girl (2014) A novel set in 1980s Soviet Union about a young girl with scoliosis attending a specialized school for children with physical disabilities while navigating family relationships and coming of age.