Talking about contemporary literature, few voices resonate as profoundly as that of Diana Evans. Born in 1972, Evans’s unique upbringing in both London and Lagos has imbued her work with a rich, dual-cultural perspective that has captivated readers and critics alike. From her acclaimed debut novel, 26a, to her latest work, A House for Alice, Evans has consistently delivered narratives that are both deeply personal and universally relevant.
Diana Evans was born in London to a Nigerian mother and an English father. She spent her childhood divided between the bustling cityscape of London and the colorful, dynamic environment of Lagos, Nigeria. This bicultural upbringing provided her with a diverse outlook on life, which she skillfully weaves into her writing. Evans attended the University of Sussex, where she completed a degree in media studies, followed by an MA in creative writing at the University of East Anglia.
Evans burst onto the literary scene in 2005 with her debut novel, 26a. The book, which tells the story of identical twins of Nigerian-British origin growing up in Neasden, received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. It won the inaugural Orange Award for New Writers, the Betty Trask Award, and the deciBel Writer of the Year award. 26a was also shortlisted for the Whitbread First Novel Award and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and was nominated for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
Her follow-up novel, The Wonder (2009), continued to showcase her literary prowess. Described by The Times as “the most dazzling depiction of the world of dance since Ballet Shoes,” the novel explores themes of identity, art, and immigration, set against the backdrop of London’s gentrification and the Caribbean immigrant experience.
Evans’s third novel, Ordinary People (2018), solidified her reputation as a formidable literary force. The book was a poignant portrayal of two black couples navigating life and relationships in South London. It was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, the Rathbones Folio Prize, and the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction, and won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Literature.
Her latest novel, A House for Alice (2023), delves into the lives of a Nigerian-British family grappling with the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This work earned her a second shortlisting for the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction, further cementing her status as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
Apart from the amazing work she has done with her novels, Evans is an accomplished journalist and critic. Her essays and literary criticism have appeared in prestigious publications such as Time Magazine, Vogue, The Guardian, The New York Review of Books, and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an associate lecturer in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths, University of London, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Diana Evans’s work is celebrated not only for its literary excellence but also for its cultural and political significance. Her ability to navigate complex themes with sensitivity and insight has earned her a dedicated readership and numerous accolades. As she continues to explore new narratives and push the boundaries of storytelling, Evans remains a pivotal figure in the literary world.
