📖 Overview
Tara Conklin writes historical and contemporary fiction that explores family relationships and social issues across different time periods. Her debut novel "The House Girl" (2013) alternates between the stories of a present-day lawyer researching reparations for slavery and a house slave in 1852 Virginia.
"The Last Romantics" (2019) follows four siblings from childhood through middle age, examining how a family tragedy shapes their adult lives and relationships. The novel spans several decades and focuses on themes of love, loss, and sibling bonds.
Conklin worked as a lawyer before becoming a novelist, spending time in both New York and London practicing litigation. Her legal background influences her research-heavy approach to historical fiction, particularly in addressing complex social and legal issues.
Her novels typically feature multiple timelines and perspectives, weaving together past and present narratives. Conklin's work examines how historical events continue to impact contemporary life, particularly regarding race, family dynamics, and social justice.