Alissa Torres

About the Author

Alissa Torres is a resilient author and graphic novelist whose work poignantly captures the profound impact of personal tragedy on the American psyche. Born and raised in New York City, she experienced the unimaginable loss of her husband, Eddie, in the September 11 attacks, an event that profoundly shaped her narrative voice. In her acclaimed debut, American Widow, co-created with illustrator Chabou, Torres chronicles the raw emotions of grief, love, and survival through a blend of intimate diary entries and vivid illustrations, offering readers a deeply human perspective on one of the nation's darkest days. Her writing bridges the personal and the collective, emphasizing themes of resilience and remembrance while challenging the politicization of mourning. Beyond her literary contributions, Torres has become an advocate for 9/11 families, using her platform to foster dialogue on loss and healing in contemporary society.