Peter Ho Davies

Peter Ho Davies is the Charles Baxter Collegiate Professor of English at the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). He specializes in creative writing and fiction, teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programs, including the MFA program. His research focuses on narrative techniques, 20th-century literature, and the immigrant experience, with a particular emphasis on blending historical contexts with contemporary themes.

Education: B.S. (Manchester, 1987), B.A. (Cambridge, 1989), M.A. (Boston University, 1993).

Research Interests: Davies explores themes of identity, cultural displacement, and moral ambiguity through meticulously crafted narratives. His work often intersects with historical events, such as WWII in The Welsh Girl, and modern societal issues like parenthood in A Lie Someone Told You About Yourself. His short stories and novels are celebrated for their lyrical prose and emotional depth.

Awards & Recognition: Recipient of the PEN/Malamud Award, Guggenheim Fellowship, and multiple NEA grants. His novels have been New York Times Notable Books and long-listed for prestigious prizes like the Booker Prize.

Teaching & Mentoring: Davies has taught at the University of Oregon, Emory University, and Northwestern University. He emphasizes revision and intentionality in his workshops, guiding students to refine their storytelling through analysis of both strengths and weaknesses.

Literary Contributions: Beyond his novels, Davies has published essays on writing and edited literary journals. His nonfiction work The Art of Revision: The Last Word (2021) offers insights into the creative process.