Marie-Helene Bertino Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Marie-Helene Bertino

Marie-Helene Bertino is an American author known for her imaginative storytelling and memorable characters. Her writing blends humor, heart, and unexpected twists, making her books enjoyable for many readers. She has a talent for creating protagonists who feel real, often placing them in unusual or whimsical situations. Her stories stand out because they balance the ordinary with the extraordinary in clever ways.

Bertino’s work often explores themes of belonging, love, and self-discovery with a light, engaging touch. Her narratives move quickly, pulling readers in with sharp dialogue and vivid details. She crafts characters who are flawed yet relatable, making their journeys entertaining and meaningful. Readers appreciate how her stories feel both fresh and familiar at the same time.

With a gift for blending realism with fantasy, Bertino’s writing feels original and full of energy. Her books are known for their warmth, wit, and emotional depth, appealing to a wide audience. She has a way of making even the strangest scenarios feel believable and compelling. For those who enjoy inventive storytelling with heart, her work is a great choice.

Her stories connect with readers across the globe because they feel genuine and full of life. She writes with a voice that’s unmistakably hers, mixing humor, emotion, and imagination in ways that feel fresh. Whether she’s crafting quirky characters or weaving unexpected plot twists, her work never loses its authenticity. Readers are drawn in because her stories reflect real feelings, even when the situations are fantastical.

Her ability to entertain comes from balancing clever storytelling with emotional honesty. She doesn’t shy away from big themes—love, loss, belonging—but presents them in ways that are engaging and often playful. Her characters stay with readers long after the last page because they feel like real people, not just inventions. This blend of truth and creativity makes her work resonate far beyond just one place or time.

Bertino’s writing proves that a story can be wildly inventive while still feeling deeply personal. She entertains by staying true to her own voice, never forcing trends or gimmicks. Readers around the world appreciate that her books are both fun and meaningful, a rare combination. That’s why her work continues to find new fans—it’s original, heartfelt, and impossible to forget.

Marie-Helene Bertino continues to write with the same creativity and passion that define her work so far. Readers can expect more of her signature blend of humor, heart, and unexpected storytelling in the years ahead. With each new book, she brings fresh ideas while staying true to what makes her writing special. The best of her stories may still be unwritten, waiting to surprise and delight her audience.

Early and Personal Life

Marie-Helene Bertino grew up in Philadelphia, where she developed a love for storytelling from an early age. Her upbringing in a city rich with culture and history likely shaped her creative perspective. She later studied English at Villanova University, building a strong foundation in literature and writing.

After earning her degree, she continued honing her craft by completing an M.F.A. at Brooklyn College. Her Italian and French Basque heritage may have influenced her unique voice and storytelling style. Today, she shares her knowledge with aspiring writers as a professor at NYU and Yale.

Living in Brooklyn, she remains connected to the vibrant literary community while working on new projects. Her journey from Philadelphia to acclaimed author and educator reflects her dedication to the written word. Readers can expect her to keep bringing fresh, engaging stories to life in the years ahead.

Writing Career

Marie-Helene Bertino has built an impressive writing career marked by critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Her honors include the Pushcart Prize, the O. Henry Prize, and Iowa Short Fiction Award, recognizing her skill in crafting compelling stories. Her fiction has appeared in major publications like The New York Times, Granta, and Electric Literature, showcasing her wide-reaching appeal.

She would go on to publish numerous novels, including 2 A.M. at the Cat’s Pajamas, Parakeet, and Beautyland, along with short story collections like Safe As Houses and Exit Zero. Beyond her books, she has contributed to anthologies and designed accessible writing workshops, including Disrupting Realism, which drew over 1,300 participants. With more work on the horizon, her career continues to evolve as she remains a distinctive voice in contemporary fiction.

Beautyland

Marie-Helene Bertino’s science-fiction coming-of-age novel Beautyland was published on January 16, 2024, by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The work marks her third published novel following 2 A.M. at The Cat’s Pajamas and Parakeet. This release continues her association with the prestigious publishing house.

The story itself follows Adina Giorno, an unusually perceptive child born in Philadelphia as Voyager 1 launches into space. From childhood, Adina understands she’s different, possessing knowledge of a distant planet, and uses a fax machine to communicate with extraterrestrial relatives observing Earth.

Over years, she documents human experiences through transmissions about both the wonders and struggles of earthly life. When a close friend encourages her to share these messages publicly, questions arise about whether others like her might exist.

Readers discover a fresh, imaginative take on growing up different in Marie-Helene Bertino’s Beautyland. The novel blends science-fiction wonder with deeply human moments through Adina’s unique perspective. Bertino’s signature wit and warmth shine as her protagonist navigates earthly life while documenting it for extraterrestrial observers. This thought-provoking story offers both cosmic curiosity and heartfelt connection.

Parakeet

Marie-Helene Bertino’s magical realist novel Parakeet was published June 2, 2020 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, marking her second novel following 2 A.M. at The Cat’s Pajamas.

Here the narrative follows a bride visited by her deceased grandmother, who appears as a parakeet with distinctive markings. The bird advises against marriage and instructs her to find her missing brother. What follows is an unconventional pre-wedding journey filled with surreal twists and turns. The experience leads the protagonist to face long-hidden personal truths.

Bertino delivers another imaginative gem with Parakeet, blending magical realism with emotional depth as a bride’s surreal journey challenges wedding plans and uncovers hidden truths.