Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Dolen Perkins-Valdez is an American author known for her powerful historical fiction exploring African American experiences. Her acclaimed novels include "Balm," which examines the lives of three women in post-Civil War Washington, D.C., and "Wench," her debut novel about enslaved women at an antebellum resort. Her most recent work, "Take My Hand," inspired by the true story of the Relf sisters, confronts forced sterilization in 1970s Alabama. Perkins-Valdez's deeply researched narratives illuminate forgotten histories and give voice to marginalized individuals. She holds a PhD in English and teaches creative writing, bringing both scholarly expertise and literary artistry to her compelling storytelling.