Artis Henderson is an American journalist and essayist known for Unremarried Widow, her memoir of young marriage to a military officer.[1] As a young widow, she experienced a rare event that put her at odds with her contemporaries, and her book is used as an example by the European Journal of Life Writing of a paradigm for the subgenre of young widow memoirs.[2]
Artis Henderson | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Writer, memoirist |
| Works | Unremarried Widow |
| Website | https://artishenderson.com/index.html |
Education
editHenderson has an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a graduate degree from Columbia University’s School of Journalism, and an MFA from the Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College.[3]
Career
editHenderson's drive to become a writer was inspired by a letter she received in her husband's possessions after his death while serving in Iraq. His letter told her that if anything should happen to him, she should "follow your dreams with all your heart, and with honor and decency”.[4]
Henderson's book Unremarried Widow began as a New York Times "Modern Love" column[5] and was described as 'gold star work' by the New York Times Book Review.[6] The book was a New York Times Editors' Choice winner and was named to more than 10 Best of the Year Lists.[7]
Her journalism work has covered conservation easements in Florida, water quality on Florida’s southwest coast, the importance of mangroves and swampland for balancing development and the environment, the shrimping industry on San Carlos Island, and wreck diving off the coast of Key Largo.
As a conservation journalist and recipient of the 2024 Fulbright-National Geographic Award, she investigates the effects of climate change on the flora of Shark Bay in Western Australia and the cultural implications for the Malgana people.[8]
Books
edit- Unremarried Widow: A Memoir (2016) ISBN 978-1451649291[Reviews 1]
References
edit- ^ Martin, Rachel (January 12, 2014). "Months After Marriage, A Military Wife Becomes An 'Unremarried Widow'". NPR. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
- ^ Den Elzen, Katrin (May 13, 2017). "Exploring the nature of the Dialogical Self: The young widow memoir". European Journal of Life Writing. 6: 40-61.
- ^ "Artis Henderson: Explorer Since 2024". Explorer Home. National Geographic. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
- ^ Henson, Stacey (July 3, 2015). "A cherished letter of love". Fort Myers News-Press. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ Henderson, Artis (2010-08-06). "Marry a Man Who Loves His Mother". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ Burana, Lily (2014-01-03). "Regret to Inform". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ Alpert, Jessica (May 30, 2018). "Modern Love Encore: Marry A Man Who Loves His Mother". WBUR. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
- ^ "The 2024 Fulbright-National Geographic Award Recipients Create Connections to the Natural and Cultural World". National Geographic newsroom. National Geographic. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
Reviews of Unremarried Widow
edit- ^ A selection of reviews written about the book:
- Book review: ‘Un-Remarried Widow,’ by Artis Henderson – Dallas Morning News
- BOOK REVIEW: ‘Unremarried Widow’ By Artis Henderson – San Antonio Report
- Book review: Un-Remarried Widow, by Artis Henderson – South China Morning Post
- 'Un-Remarried Widow': Toll of war touchingly told by soldier's wife – The Columbus Dispatch
- 'Unremarried Widow' recounts how Army wife lost husband in Iraq 4 months after wedding (review) – Mlive
- Review: "Unremarried Widow" – Columbia Magazine
- Unremarried Widow: A Memoir by Artis Henderson – The Week
- Book Shelf: Unremarried Widow – Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
- ’Artis Henderson’s memoir will be on my list of best of 2014’ – Maclean's
- REVIEW: 'Unremarried Widow,' by Artis Henderson – Minnesota Star Tribune
- Nonfiction Reviews: Unremarried Widow – Publishers Weekly
- Unremarried Widow – The Booklist
- Young war widow's memoir a revealing portrait of grief – The Buffalo News