Early Life and Education

Kennedy was born to a commodity trader father who also worked as a production assistant at NBC. He attended the Collegiate School in New York City before graduating from Bowdoin College in Maine. He later spent a year studying at Trinity College Dublin. He pursued a master's degree in history, believing that a deep understanding of the past would enrich his development as a novelist. Kennedy often draws inspiration from recurring patterns in human behavior—an idea, he notes, that finds its roots in historical repetition.

Early Career in Dublin

Kennedy began his career in the arts in Dublin, co-running a theater with a friend. His early work in drama led to an offer to manage The Peacock, the second stage of the renowned Abbey Theatre. He held this position until the age of 28, after which he decided to commit fully to writing. Kennedy started by penning stage plays and radio dramas before transitioning to travel writing. His first book, based on his experiences in Egypt, marked the beginning of his literary journey.

Transition to Journalism and Fiction

Following his initial work in travel literature, Kennedy and his wife moved to London, where he launched his journalism career. He contributed articles to various magazines and newspapers while simultaneously developing his skills as a novelist. His blend of journalistic clarity and novelistic depth would later become a hallmark of his writing style.

Literary Success and French Recognition

To date, Douglas Kennedy has authored eleven novels, which have been translated into more than 20 languages. Among his most acclaimed works are The Moment and Leaving the World, both of which became bestsellers in France. His literary contributions have earned him prestigious honors in the country, including the French decoration Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Grand Prix du Livre Étrangèr.