{"id":3504,"date":"2024-11-08T14:19:14","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T19:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/?p=3504"},"modified":"2024-11-08T14:19:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T19:19:16","slug":"marie-helene-bertino-from-debut-novel-to-acclaimed-writer-her-journey-to-literary-fame","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/eternal-3504-marie-helene-bertino-from-debut-novel-to-acclaimed-writer-her-journey-to-literary-fame","title":{"rendered":"Marie-Helene Bertino: From Debut Novel to Acclaimed Writer \u2014 Her Journey to Literary Fame"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Marie-Helene Bertino is one of the most captivating contemporary writers, drawing readers and critics alike with her unique style and profound narratives. Her award-winning book, <em>Safe as Houses<\/em>, instantly established Marie-Helene as a talented author capable of delving into the human experience and the intricacies of everyday life. Read more about her story on <a href=\"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/\">philadelphianka<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A native of Philadelphia, she found a new home in Brooklyn, where her creative work flourished with fresh shades and forms. Bertino\u2019s debut novel marked not only a new turn in her career but also earned recognition for its charm and depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, you\u2019ll find more about this remarkable writer, including intriguing details and deep insights that will help you better understand her work. Here, we explore the key stages of Marie-Helene\u2019s career, the distinct qualities of her style, and the influential works that have established Bertino as one of the most notable writers of our time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a8376775338e\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #090909;color:#090909\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #090909;color:#090909\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a8376775338e\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/eternal-3504-marie-helene-bertino-from-debut-novel-to-acclaimed-writer-her-journey-to-literary-fame\/#Biography_Influential_Writer_and_Educator\" >Biography: Influential Writer and Educator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/eternal-3504-marie-helene-bertino-from-debut-novel-to-acclaimed-writer-her-journey-to-literary-fame\/#Writing_Debut_Books_and_Other_Creative_Pursuits\" >Writing, Debut Books, and Other Creative Pursuits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/eternal-3504-marie-helene-bertino-from-debut-novel-to-acclaimed-writer-her-journey-to-literary-fame\/#Marie-Helenes_Reflections_on_Her_Hometown_%E2%80%94_Philadelphia\" >Marie-Helene\u2019s Reflections on Her Hometown \u2014 Philadelphia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/eternal-3504-marie-helene-bertino-from-debut-novel-to-acclaimed-writer-her-journey-to-literary-fame\/#How_Bertinos_Work_Explores_Nuances_of_Human_Nature_and_Social_Dynamics\" >How Bertino\u2019s Work Explores Nuances of Human Nature and Social Dynamics<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Biography_Influential_Writer_and_Educator\"><\/span>Biography: Influential Writer and Educator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxcndwn8kaaaiu6g7bcdtzfrgt0-kzhql7y3tzproogh11vdqrdmk-otlgiictcpgockmzjx8ejx0zoyaz84m73hd35oxdisswvys09qd69d7f2tla1hlnlsx3smex5bljfkhpdu1c0jxsazq0siyhs5kayakeytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Marie-Helene Bertino was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Of Italian and French Basque descent, her multicultural background has left its mark on her work. She earned her Bachelor\u2019s degree in English from Villanova University, where she first expressed her interest in literature and writing. Later, she earned a Master\u2019s in International Relations from Brooklyn College, giving her a nuanced understanding of global issues and cultural contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After moving to New York in 2003, Bertino began working as a biographer for a plaintiffs\u2019 attorney, assisting clients with traumatic brain injuries. This experience allowed her to gain deeper insights into human nature, which she later reflected in her writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2020, Marie-Helene was a guest writer for the Kittredge Visiting Writer Program at the University of Montana, opening new career opportunities. She has also taught at the Institute of American Indian Arts, working in the low-residency MFA program to help students hone their writing skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxew0wlzoxotbdbjd_qnuvps_tyte7o_bpcaarew6h3kcuxlrypyraelfjqv9la0xaq7qajohqgcc40njanzntysi_1sgxxhoeoamt6nbj2vhsila6042fovuarg5tpcvhe6kfxlqa0px7-igcsqj-l2dqm1keytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bertino later earned a Master\u2019s in Creative Writing from University College Cork, further refining her knowledge and skills in the art. She gained valuable experience in editing and publishing while serving as an editorial assistant at <em>One Story<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Influenced by writers such as Yoko Ogawa, Edward P. Jones, Toni Morrison, and Cormac McCarthy, Bertino\u2019s work is rich in style and theme. She has taught at <em>The New School<\/em>, a private research university in New York City, where she shared her knowledge and experience with the next generation of writers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eventually, she became a professor of English at Yale University, where she continued her teaching and creative work, impacting students and the literary community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Writing_Debut_Books_and_Other_Creative_Pursuits\"><\/span>Writing, Debut Books, and Other Creative Pursuits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxf0m5dvjf6ubwz3juln64nvqgfmaihz8xsgh7_h27puxajhlpjp29wruejk3qfvabvc_aiqrbmnwphgc9xudl9si8rgrgg7zzdyc65wj8y7vljsoci3jbdatvhnsdzammq0cbxzhir8b1nolgtwfaalp5u1keytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Marie-Helene Bertino typically writes in the morning, while she feels almost as if she\u2019s still dreaming. Ideally, she wakes up, enjoys a delicious cup of coffee, and opens her notebook or laptop, depending on her stage in the process. This setup makes both her and her cats incredibly happy. However, ideal writing conditions are rare, as she frequently works as a biographer for individuals with brain injuries and often travels to teach and lecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bertino\u2019s first collection of stories, <em>Safe as Houses<\/em>, was chosen by Jim Shepard as the winner of the 2012 Iowa Short Fiction Award and was later published by the University of Iowa Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Safe as Houses<\/em> was long-listed for the Frank O\u2019Connor International Short Story Award in 2013 and was named one of the best collections by <em>The Story Prize<\/em> in 2012. One story, <em>North Of<\/em>, features a woman who brings Bob Dylan home for Thanksgiving. It won both the <em>Pushcart Prize<\/em> and the <em>Mississippi Review Prize for Fiction<\/em> and was later reprinted in an anthology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxfkjnm0n5hiv2gdbhuqihmrsb-lvwv0qsg7kj5brenjrjfv3nowgzvtcwfarkmcjbwr5507czcku9543r9mvwicpxbo48w662nxvlz61-zchw5acpat9yn8_8glcc26oaip7yx6h_4y9ivmqgrcftqreiqakeytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Her debut novel, <em>2 A.M. at The Cat\u2019s Pajamas<\/em>, was published by Crown in 2014. It was selected as a 2014 \u201cBarnes &amp; Noble Discover Great New Writers Pick\u201d and one of NPR\u2019s best books of 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her second novel, <em>Parakeet<\/em>, was published in 2020. In <em>Parakeet<\/em>, we follow an unnamed bride-to-be in the weeks leading up to her wedding, after she is visited by her grandmother\u2019s ghost in the form of a bird, who urges her to find her estranged brother. Bertino revealed that the character in <em>Parakeet<\/em> was inspired by her grandmother, an immigrant from the French Pyrenees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After publication, <em>Parakeet<\/em> received critical acclaim, with a favorable reception based on twelve reviews, according to an aggregate review site. The book was an <em>Editors\u2019 Choice<\/em> by <em>The New York Times<\/em> and made <em>HuffPost<\/em>\u2019s Top Ten Books of the Year. It was also long-listed for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the Joyce Carol Oates Prize in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marie-Helenes_Reflections_on_Her_Hometown_%E2%80%94_Philadelphia\"><\/span>Marie-Helene\u2019s Reflections on Her Hometown \u2014 Philadelphia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxdcj-qdi-j2vnjsvebmzals6d7ts995xkiafwhkvl0qi0xc62ej0lf1xgju-l976mrvnxse2ii2akj-npuziqruwzw93yfd6olyyg1acgpgmwb1fxay-_rownbxs7-dmkivr6lbr1dcvkcnvggwmsma5qj9keytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In one interview, Marie-Helene was asked an interesting question regarding the frequent mention of her Philadelphia roots in her works. Her book <em>Safe as Houses<\/em> contains two stories set in her hometown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People often have complex relationships with their hometowns, yet Bertino describes her feelings for Philadelphia as difficult to explain. She believes the city has a dark beauty and a serious dysfunction. To her, Philadelphia\u2019s mural program exemplifies the city\u2019s determination and gritty spirit, which brings beautiful murals to the area. These murals adorn the city, and you can\u2019t go far without seeing one. No other city, according to the author, looks quite like it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxd00wlcafx0f5c7qkc0kxie-d5hb_ib3euynvxcu855htrruyq4mu23zu2goqgoq_njerefoyzvvbitpafdtsr-0eheksewu2bosklqypo0sqmxybw9j6atwirel7xclkbcdk1bggr20nvqovfedg_0_65fkeytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxcgoskooxjywdfv4butzyca6qvi38qjc0zm1omq7gpucdrimks36mtt2ixucihbcvevvxnlmiknfpuww49wgd949-knap65xjt5s0sdoliyi4g5a_9_yt8n-sjbbqbvdqqtuy668wucfxuuagntepj2kutxkeytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond this, Marie-Helene grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, an area stretching from suburban outskirts to Kensington\u2019s elevated trains. She recalls that the people there are tough, stubborn, and uncompromising. They can see through you if they sense you\u2019re not genuine. Bertino finds this fitting, as she has zero tolerance for pretense, liars, cowards, fake people, and, most of all, she can\u2019t hide her feelings. Philadelphia made her this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Bertinos_Work_Explores_Nuances_of_Human_Nature_and_Social_Dynamics\"><\/span>How Bertino\u2019s Work Explores Nuances of Human Nature and Social Dynamics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxdxzrtirjl-vjrzicxio4gvuht6hb_p8ugzu8tzksp7_vksexw_dp6mo2gpm3gnoweuulajddaq2yj2eaf_8xxt4nx9grartopusvv8bddfdipxiasenijiyttlwajntbkxjggobmovucc_qjf4m_ywswtikeytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, Marie-Helene Bertino is a prominent American writer known for her multifaceted literary work. Born and raised in one of the country\u2019s major industrial, financial, and cultural centers, she has infused her writing with a unique perspective on human nature and social interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bertino became widely recognized for her ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles, allowing her to explore a broad range of human experience and social issues. Her literary talent has received international acclaim, as evidenced by awards like the <em>Pushcart Prize<\/em> and the <em>O. Henry Prize<\/em> for her short stories, affirming her status as a significant figure in contemporary literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her works, Bertino often tackles complex questions about human nature, morality, identity, and social relationships, inviting readers to delve into the challenging and often contradictory aspects of human life. Her distinct voice, stylistic elements, and profound insight into the human soul make her literary contributions vital and impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.philadelphianka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2024\/08\/ad_4nxckcdrarkvufqjrwzcpmkon1nlymxk6c2spxydutofzpa9p5f_dr8zw4-yivfsugd8sbpbad7znxsxei0u251zjoonbqd1l_tqfvdcdgcbjwamwsc8xauth3innwkvrdkcxo0ipizd9o3adwws9jclkkn4keytpvnj_-ifagzbphwqxk-tq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With her sharp narrative style and multifaceted plots, Bertino not only illuminates social realities but also offers a fresh perspective on ordinary, yet essential, human experiences, making her work essential to understanding the contemporary world. Thus, this talented writer continues to captivate readers and critics, introducing new ideas and perspectives to modern literature.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marie-Helene Bertino is one of the most captivating contemporary writers, drawing readers and critics alike with her unique style and profound narratives. Her award-winning book, Safe as Houses, instantly established Marie-Helene as a talented author capable of delving into the human experience and the intricacies of everyday life. Read more about her story on philadelphianka. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":373,"featured_media":3013,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1034],"tags":[2226,2230,2224,2227,2219,2223,2229,2222,2225,2221,2228,2218,2231,2220],"moimportance":[212,34,33],"motype":[1045],"moformat":[127],"class_list":{"0":"post-3504","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world-life","8":"tag-2-a-m-at-the-cats-pajamas","9":"tag-contemporary-american-author","10":"tag-creative-writing-mfa","11":"tag-frank-oconnor-short-story-award","12":"tag-literary-fame","13":"tag-marie-helene-bertino","14":"tag-multicultural-literature","15":"tag-o-henry-prize-stories","16":"tag-parakeet-novel","17":"tag-philadelphia-writer","18":"tag-pushcart-prize-winner","19":"tag-safe-as-houses","20":"tag-the-story-prize-finalist","21":"tag-yale-university-professor","22":"moimportance-aktualnist-bilshe-roku","23":"moimportance-golovna-novina","24":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","25":"motype-eternal","26":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/373"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3504"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3505,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3504\/revisions\/3505"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3504"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3504"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3504"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/philadelphianka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}