Karen Hayes
Author

Karen Hayes is a novelist and poet. Though born in the States, her parents were both Ukrainian immigrants, and Karen herself moved to England permanently as a student in the mid-sixties. These roots are reflected in her novels, which, though contemporary, often deal with change, either external or internal. A sense of place, of belonging -- or trying to belong -- is also a theme of her books. Many of them are set in Italy, where Karen has many Italian friends, and reviewers have said that cities like Venice or Florence are not just places but characters in her novels. These she describes fully, their dreams, illusions, fears, jealousy, hopes, pride, to create her narrative, weaving in place and landscape so that both blend together into an integral, satisfying novel.

Karen's poetry collection, BETWEEN MORNINGS, also reflects change, and loss, and also reflects her novels. Many of the poems were written in conjunction with the novels, poems the characters themselves would write if they were poets.

Karen has also published two novels under the name of Karen Nelson. These are light satiric comedies, written as an antidote to the more serious themes she pursues in her other books. The Nelson books are pure fun, a mischievous romp.

Several of the novels have been translated into Dutch, German, and Swedish

Karen tutors regularly for art centres, literature festivals, the Arvon Foundation,and in Italy.
For information on any of these courses please contact Karen