Rivka Galchen Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Rivka Galchen

The Canadian-American author Rivka Galchen is well-known for writing literary fiction, often with a historical setting. A gifted writer, she’s a household name for many, with her unique and distinctive style of writing that immediately gets to the point. Knowing just what she wants to say, she understands the effectiveness of her words, essentially enabling them to come alive on the page. Creating a rich and evocative atmosphere, she draws the reader in and holds them there for the entire duration of the novel.

A hugely talented author, she has a lot to say on numerous different subjects, something which she’s managed through her extensive journalism career. With a keen eye for authenticity in her writing, she clearly understands what drives people and keeps them going. Contributing to several different publications, including The New Yorker, she’s created a brand for herself that is quite unlike any other. This approach to writing has seen her reach a worldwide audience of readers worldwide, as her work has traveled far and wide.

Keeping readers hooked, she has an immersive style of writing that creates entire worlds to explore within her fiction and stories. Her characters are also something to admire, as they fully inhabit their spaces with their fully three-dimensional personalities that leap from the page. Resonating with readers personally, each of her protagonists makes a strong imprint on her audience, staying with them long after they’ve put the book down. With so much more to come, she will carry on writing for many years, as plenty more books are planned for release.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Toronto, Ontario, on the 19th of April in 1976, her parents were Israeli academics, and she would later relocate to the United States during preschool. Growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, her father was a professor of meteorology based at the University of California, while her mother worked at the National Severe Storms Laboratory as a computer programmer. Attending Mount Sinai herself, Galchen would receive her M.D. in 2003 before going on to Columbia University and gaining her MFA in 2006.

Studying at Princeton University, too, she would continue developing her craft and voice as a writer while attending medical school. Teaching writing herself now at Columbia University, she continues to impart knowledge on her craft while writing herself. Currently continuing to write and teach regularly, she continues to maintain a profile both online and off, with an international following of readers worldwide.

Writing Career

The first novel that Rivka Galchen published was titled ‘Atmospheric Disturbances,’ and it would come out back in May 2008. Setting up her career as an author, she would soon go on to publish numerous other novels, many of which were also stand-alone titles. ‘Rat Rule 79’ would come out in 2019, and then the book ‘Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch’ would be released just a few years later in 2021.

In 2014 she’d publish a collection of short stories titled ‘American Innovations,’ winning the ‘Danuta Gleed Literary Award’ for her effort. Publishing non-fiction, too, she’d write ‘Little Labors’ in 2016, which collated many of her essays and observations about babies and motherhood into one collection. Featuring in many different publications, too, from The New Yorker to Harper’s Magazine, she continues to win awards and critical acclaim for her work.

Atmospheric Disturbances

First coming out through the ‘Farrar Straus Giroux’ publishing label, this was originally released on the 27th of May in 2008. Marking the big literary debut for Rivka Galchen, it would see her writing her very first novel, introducing her to the public at large. Not a part of any series, it would contain whimsical elements, with a mystery story that was entirely self-contained with its narrative.

With his wife disappearing, Dr. Leo Liebenstein is convinced that the woman put in Rema’s place is an impostor, and only he can tell. Accompanied by a psychiatric patient of his named Harvey, who’s certain he controls the weather, the two of them seek to get to the bottom of the mystery. His journey leads him to Dr. Tzvi Gal-Chen, the meteorologist who gives them in-depth knowledge of the inner cosmic wonders surrounding them. Will they be able to find Leo’s wife Rema, just who’s behind his spouse being switched, and what is the truth of the atmospheric disturbances?

There are numerous clever and intricate elements featured here, making it a fascinating first novel from the author. With a strong narrative and an equally strong premise, it keeps the reader engaged at all times throughout, with some extremely well-written sections. Its characters also resonate strongly, as they feel genuine and real, with some believable motivations for many of their actions.

Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch

Once again published through the ‘Farrar, Straus, and Giroux’ publishing label, this would first come out in 2021 on the 8th of June. A stand-alone historical novel, it would take place in 1618, featuring a whole cast of characters while not being a part of any series. The book can be read by itself and features a story about witchcraft trials, along with some sly wit and humor running underneath. Well researched, it uses real historical documents as the basis for its story, paying close attention to detail while also making sure to entertain the reader with its highly involving story as well.

Starting in 1618, this story first begins in the German duchy of Württemberg, where the plague is spreading throughout. With the Thirty Years’ War beginning, suspicion and fear are also rampant across the Holy Roman Empire, and in Leonberg, a small town, Katharina Kepler has been accused of witchcraft. Known for her herbal remedies and successful children, she’s inspired resentment, leading to accusations, as her scientist son must return once more to defend her. Will he be able to prove her case to the townsfolk, what is the secret her neighbor Simon is hiding, and how will everything pan out when the townspeople cry, ‘everyone knows your mother is a witch?’