Bette Greene, originally known as Bette Evensky, entered the world on June
28, 1934, in the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee. A few years into her life,
her family embarked on a journey to Parkin, Arkansas, a quaint town nestled
just across the Tennessee-Arkansas border. It was here, amidst the rustic
charm, that she attended elementary school. Her father, a dedicated merchant,
ran a humble country store in Parkin during the bustling years of World War
II.
Education and Early Career
At the tender age of thirteen, Greene's family returned to the familiar
surroundings of Memphis. She proudly graduated from Memphis Central High School
in 1952 before venturing overseas to France, where she enriched her education
at the renowned Alliance Francaise in Paris. Her academic journey didn't stop
there; she pursued further studies at several esteemed American institutions,
including Memphis State University, the University of Alabama, Columbia, and
Harvard. While at Memphis State, Greene showcased her talents by contributing
to the school newspaper, as well as the Memphis Commercial Appeal and
the Hebrew Watchman. She blazed a trail as a full-time reporter for the
Commercial Appeal from 1950 to 1952 and later joined the Memphis bureau
of the United Press from 1953 to 1954. Her career expanded as she served as the
public information officer for the American Red Cross in Memphis from 1958 to
1959, and for the Boston State Psychiatric Hospital in Massachusetts from 1959
to 1961. In a romantic twist, she married Dr. Donald Sumner Greene on June 14,
1959. The couple, blessed with two children, Carla and Jordan Joshua, have made
their home in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Literary Pursuits and Achievements
With numerous short stories and articles already under her belt, Greene
ventured into the world of novel writing. Her debut novel, Summer of My
German Soldier, drew deeply from her own childhood experiences in Arkansas,
weaving an autobiographical tapestry. This captivating tale garnered numerous
accolades, including a coveted New York Times Outstanding Book award, an
American Library Association Notable Book citation, and a Golden Kite Society
children's book award, all in 1973. The novel's acclaim soared, earning a
nomination for the prestigious National Book Award in 1974.
