📖 Overview
Natashia Deón is an American author and attorney who writes historical and literary fiction. Her debut novel "Grace" (2016) tells the story of a slave woman in 1848 Alabama who dies in childbirth and returns as a ghost to protect her newborn daughter. The book earned critical acclaim and several award nominations.
Deón's second novel "The Perishing" (2021) follows a woman with amnesia in 1930s Los Angeles who discovers supernatural abilities while uncovering her past. The story blends elements of fantasy with historical fiction set against the backdrop of racial tensions in Depression-era California.
Before becoming a novelist, Deón practiced law and founded a nonprofit organization for at-risk youth. She draws from her legal background and interest in social justice issues in her fiction. Her novels explore themes of trauma, memory, family bonds, and the African American experience across different historical periods.
Deón has received fellowships and grants from various literary organizations. She teaches creative writing and has spoken at numerous literary events and universities about her work and writing process.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Deón's ability to blend historical detail with supernatural elements. Many highlight her vivid descriptions of time and place, particularly her portrayal of the antebellum South in "Grace" and 1930s Los Angeles in "The Perishing." Reviewers frequently mention the emotional impact of her storytelling and her skill in addressing difficult topics like slavery and trauma.
Several readers appreciate Deón's complex female characters and their journeys of self-discovery. The mother-daughter relationships in both novels receive particular attention from reviewers who find them compelling and authentic.
Some readers struggle with the supernatural aspects of both books, finding the ghost elements in "Grace" and the fantasy components in "The Perishing" difficult to follow or believe. A few reviewers note pacing issues, particularly in the middle sections of both novels where the narrative momentum slows.
Critics of "The Perishing" mention confusion about the plot's supernatural rules and timeline shifts. Some readers find the amnesia storyline frustrating, wanting more clarity about the protagonist's background earlier in the narrative.