Karyl Kleve
Behind the Author
Karyl Kleve lives in her beloved hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and six cats. She started writing when she was 14 years old and has had one short story published. “Bombs, Cults and Other Strange Things: A Memoir” is her first book. It is a deeply personal story, written so that others who’ve faced similar circumstances can feel less alone, and so the people in her life can understand her better.
The Story Behind the Stories
Everyone’s life is interesting; however, Karyl’s life has been unique. Her parents divorced when she was two years old. Her mother became deeply involved in the Jehovah’s Witness religion when pregnant with her and this, along with her mother’s mental illness and subsequent abuse dominated Karyl’s childhood.
Her father, the late Karl Kleve, is a “local legend” on the west side of Cincinnati and worked on the Manhattan Project for four years alongside Robert Oppenheimer. He is remembered for his genius IQ, eccentric personality and his large car collection. He was sixty years old when Karyl was born and she is named after him.
She loves to travel and has visited six of seven continents. She also loves to read; her favorite authors include Oscar Wilde, Freida McFadden, Ruth Ware and Ann-Marie MacDonald.
She graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2003 with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts. She loves history, especially English history, and loves historical fiction books about England by authors such as Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory.
She is also an advocate for ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses, particularly those who, like her, were born into the religion and then shunned by family and friends when they choose to leave it.
Please visit her website to contact her, share your story, and get updates on her upcoming book “TEN,” a collection of short stories.
Words from the Literary Circle
“Karyl Kleve’s prose is a masterclass in atmosphere. She captures the haunting beauty of heritage with unmatched precision.”
The Literary Gazette
“Kleve doesn’t just write stories; she constructs worlds that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.”
Modern Fiction Quarterly
“A voice that is both timeless and strikingly modern. One of the most compelling storytellers of our generation.”
The Paris Review