Rivers Solomon
Rivers Solomon: A Multi-Talented Writer and Scholar
Full Name and Common Aliases
Rivers Solomon is a writer, scholar, and performer who uses they/them pronouns. They are also known by their pseudonym, Rivers Solomon.
Birth and Death Dates
Rivers Solomon was born on December 1, 1983, in Washington D.C., USA. Their current whereabouts are not publicly disclosed.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Solomon is an American writer, poet, and scholar of Afrofuturism and science fiction. They identify as a queer black person with roots in the African diaspora.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of artists and intellectuals, Solomon was exposed to a diverse range of creative pursuits from an early age. Their parents encouraged their love for literature and music, which eventually led them to pursue careers in these fields.
As a child, Solomon was fascinated by science fiction and fantasy stories that featured characters who defied traditional societal norms. This interest sparked a desire to explore the intersectionality of identity, culture, and technology through their work.
Major Accomplishments
Solomon's writing career spans over a decade, with numerous publications in prominent literary journals and anthologies. Their debut novel, "An Unkindness of Ghosts," was a finalist for the 2017 Philip K. Dick Award for Best Novel.
Their second novel, "The Deep," has received widespread critical acclaim for its unique blend of science fiction, horror, and mythology. The book explores themes of identity, trauma, and survival in a world where the boundaries between human and non-human are increasingly blurred.
Notable Works or Actions
Solomon's writing often delves into the complexities of black existence in a futuristic world. Their work challenges traditional notions of power, identity, and community through unapologetic storytelling.
Some notable works include:
An Unkindness of Ghosts (2017): A science fiction novel set on a generation ship where a young woman discovers secrets about her past and the true nature of their society.
The Deep (2020): A blend of horror, mythology, and science fiction that follows a group of women who are haunted by an ancient entity from the depths of the ocean.
Impact and Legacy
Solomon's work has been praised for its innovative storytelling, nuanced exploration of identity politics, and unflinching portrayal of trauma. Their writing has resonated with readers across various genres and demographics.
Their influence can be seen in the growing popularity of Afrofuturism and science fiction that centers on diverse voices and experiences. Solomon's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging assumptions has made them a respected figure in literary circles.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Solomon is widely quoted for their insightful commentary on identity, power, and the importance of centering marginalized voices in literature. Their writing often sparks conversations about the role of science fiction in reflecting and shaping our understanding of the world.
As a prominent figure in the literary community, Solomon continues to inspire readers with their bold storytelling and unapologetic exploration of complex themes.
Quotes by Rivers Solomon
Rivers Solomon's insights on:
People do not know what to make of me, and this pleases me. I don't want to be scrutable.
The point is what you do when you don't have the details. Do you interrogate? Do you examine? Or do you settle for the obvious answer?
Conform or die. That was his motto. I am oddly doing bits of both, each half-assedly.
You are an anomaly of a man," she said."Perhaps because I'm not a man at all." He sat closer now. The sheets wrinkled as he scooted himself toward her."Aye. You gender-malcontent. You otherling," she said..."Me too. I am a boy and a girl and a witch all wrapped into one very strange, flimsy, indecisive body. Do you think my body couldn't decide what it wanted to be?""I think it doesn't matter because we get to decide what our bodies are or are not," he answered.
She's more delicate than you'd think," I say. She's glass. I'm glass. We're all glass, busted up, unrecognizable from our original selves. We walk around in fragments. It's a circus act.
Then don't die." Yetu said... "Stay with me and we will make a new thing. What's behind us, it is done.
You are mean because inside you’re tiny. So tiny you cannot hold up the weight of your own body. You must inflate your ego just to fill the skin. You float around like a helium balloon. Blown up and bloated and gassy and empty.
Loving, worshipping, and bowing down to folks who harmed you was written into the genes of all animal creatures. To be alive meant to lust after connection, and better to have one with the enemy than with no one at all. A baby's fingers and mouth grasp on instinct.
Without the History, she felt out of place and out of time. She missed being connected to all.But connection came with responsibility. Duty choked independence and freedom.
