Robin Wasserman is an American author known for her works in both young adult (YA) and adult fiction. Her novels often explore dark themes, psychological suspense, and complex character relationships.
Biography Born in 1978, Robin Wasserman attended Harvard University, where she studied English. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as an editor. Her literary career began primarily with young adult novels, gaining recognition for her distinct voice and willingness to tackle challenging subjects.
Literary Career Wasserman's early works established her as a prominent voice in YA literature. Her Seven Deadly Sins series, published in the mid-2000s, garnered a significant following. She later expanded into more standalone and darker YA novels, such as The Waking Dark (2012), which delved into supernatural horror and community paranoia.
Her transition into adult fiction was marked by the critical success of Girls on Fire (2016), a psychological thriller that also crossed over into the older YA demographic due to its themes of intense adolescent female friendship and violence. The novel received widespread acclaim for its evocative prose and unflinching portrayal of its characters.
Wasserman has also contributed to other media. She co-wrote the screenplay for the 2019 film adaptation of Jonathan Lethem's novel Motherless Brooklyn. Additionally, she has written for television, including the series Scream: The TV Series and the 2020 reboot of Party of Five.
Themes and Style Common themes in Wasserman's work include:
- Psychological Suspense: Many of her novels feature intricate plots driven by internal conflicts, secrets, and a sense of unease.
- Intense Female Relationships: Her stories frequently center on the complicated, often destructive, bonds between young women.
- Darkness and Morality: Wasserman is known for exploring the darker aspects of human nature, moral ambiguities, and the consequences of extreme choices.
- Memory and Identity: Characters often grapple with their pasts and the formation of their identities.
Her writing style is typically atmospheric, precise, and often characterized by a strong narrative voice.
Selected Bibliography
Young Adult Novels:
- The Seven Deadly Sins series (2005-2007)
- Lust
- Envy
- Pride
- Gluttony
- Sloth
- Wrath
- Greed
- Skinned series (2008-2010)
- Skinned
- Crashed
- Awakened
- Hacking Harvard (2009)
- The Waking Dark (2012)
- The Ravenna Gambit (2015)
Adult Novels:
- Girls on Fire (2016)
- Motherless Brooklyn (2019) – co-writer for screenplay adaptation
- The World and All That It Holds (forthcoming)
Television Writing:
- Scream: The TV Series
- Party of Five (2020 reboot)