Raven Leilani, born August 26, 1990, is an American novelist known for her critically acclaimed debut, Luster (2020). Leilani’s writing is characterized by its unflinching exploration of race, sexuality, and class, often employing a fragmented narrative style and evocative prose to depict the complex lives of her characters. She holds an MFA from NYU and began writing seriously after a childhood influenced by her artistic family. Her work frequently delves into the darker corners of human relationships and societal pressures.


