Ken Kalfus

Ken Kalfus (born April 9, 1954 in New York, New York) is an American author and journalist. Three of his books have been named New York Times Notable Books of the Year.

Early life and education

He was born in the Bronx, NY and grew up in Plainview, Long Island.

Kalfus started college at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, but dropped out after the first year. Kalfus later attended the New School for Social Research in Manhattan and New York University. Kalfus started writing at an early age.

Career

Kalfus and his family have lived in Paris, Dublin, Belgrade, and Moscow. He believes his time in other countries keeps his observations fresh and provides him with valuable insights.

Kalfus began his career by publishing short stories and now writes novels. His most recent novel was Equilateral (2013). His previous novel, A Disorder Peculiar to the Country (2006), was a National Book Award nominee. His first novel was The Commissariat of Enlightenment (2003), preceded by short story collections PU-239 and Other Russian Fantasies (1999) and Thirst (1998). The latter three works were each chosen among the New York Times Notable Books of the Year. He published his first book at the age of 44, and achieved favorable critical response.