Emily M. Danforth

Emily M. Danforth is an American novelist known for writing young adult and LGBT literature, with particular focus on coming-of-age stories. Born in 1980 in Miles City, Montana, she holds an MFA from the University of Montana and a PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her 2012 debut novel "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" received significant recognition and was adapted into a feature film of the same name in 2018. The novel follows a young girl's experiences at a conversion therapy center in Montana during the 1990s. In 2020, Danforth published her second novel "Plain Bad Heroines," a gothic horror-comedy that weaves together parallel narratives set at a Rhode Island boarding school and in contemporary Los Angeles. She currently serves on the faculty at Rhode Island College and lives in Providence with her wife. Her writing consistently explores themes of sexuality, identity, and adolescence within the framework of literary fiction and bildungsroman narratives. Both her novels have contributed significantly to contemporary LGBTQ literature.

Readers praise Danforth's detailed character development and atmospheric writing style, particularly in "The Miseducation of Cameron Post." Multiple reviews highlight her authentic portrayal of small-town Montana life and LGBTQ youth experiences in the 1990s. "Plain Bad Heroines" has drawn attention for its complex narrative structure and gothic elements. Readers note the book's distinctive footnotes and metafictional approach. Common criticisms include pacing issues, with some readers finding both novels too slow in their opening chapters. Several reviews of "Plain Bad Heroines" mention challenges following its multiple timelines and large cast of characters. Ratings across platforms: "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" - Goodreads: 4.1/5 (84,000+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) "Plain Bad Heroines" - Goodreads: 3.6/5 (15,000+ ratings) - Amazon: 3.9/5 (500+ ratings) Top reader comments describe Danforth's prose as "rich and immersive" while critical reviews often use terms like "meandering" and "overwritten."

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2012) A coming-of-age novel following a teenage girl sent to a conversion therapy center in Montana during the 1990s after her conservative aunt discovers her same-sex relationship.

Plain Bad Heroines (2020) A dual-narrative horror story interweaving tales of mysterious deaths at an all-girls school in 1902 Rhode Island with the modern-day filming of a movie based on these events.

Sarah Waters writes historical fiction centered on lesbian characters and relationships, often set in Victorian England. Her novels like Tipping the Velvet and Fingersmith feature complex narrative structures and explore themes of identity and sexuality.

Nina LaCour creates coming-of-age stories focusing on young LGBTQ characters navigating relationships and self-discovery. Her works deal with grief, love, and identity formation in contemporary settings.

Ali Smith crafts narratives that challenge conventional storytelling while exploring gender and sexuality through multiple perspectives. Her books incorporate literary references and experimental structures similar to Plain Bad Heroines.

Emma Donoghue writes historical fiction and contemporary stories featuring LGBTQ characters across different time periods. Her work examines themes of identity and belonging while incorporating elements of gothic literature and psychological complexity.

Carmen Maria Machado combines horror elements with queer narratives and experimental storytelling techniques. Her work In the Dream House shares similarities with Danforth's exploration of trauma and identity through innovative narrative structures.