MacKenzie Scott returns to fiction after 13 years

MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and a renowned philanthropist who has donated over $26 billion to numerous non-profit organizations, is back in the world of fiction after a 13-year gap. The billionaire has announced an 80,000-word novel titled "Last Days in Two Nations (A History in Eighteen Minds)," which she plans to release in installments throughout August via her Substack newsletter bearing the same name as the book.

Scott, who has given away more than $26 billion to 2,500+ nonprofits, made the novel announcement earlier this month, sharing details such as the title page, table of contents, character list, and epigraphs, but she refrained from divulging plot specifics. Her unconventional release strategy appears to be serially publishing the novel chapter by chapter through her Substack platform, as reported by the New York Times.

In a recent Instagram post, she encouraged her followers to "read and subscribe" to follow the novel's progression.

This unusual rollout method aligns with Scott's private stance, particularly since 2020, when she has predominantly communicated through well-crafted blog posts, mainly about her philanthropic endeavors. Prior to her philanthropic career, Scott studied creative writing at Princeton University, where she worked under Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, who supervised her thesis "The Fathering Water" and helped her secure a literary agent.

Scott's first novel, "The Testing of Luther Albright," was published in 2005 and received favorable critical reviews; her second novel, "Traps," followed in 2013.

After her divorce from Bezos in 2019, Scott became one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Instead of amassing a high-profile philanthropic organization, she chose a more unconventional approach, making large, unrestricted grants directly to various organizations. Her efforts have benefited causes ranging from education, economic equity, environmental conservation, and social justice. Despite her immense wealth and influence, Scott has remained remarkably private, avoiding public appearances and interviews.

Scott's return to fiction, therefore, adds another dimension to her career, offering readers a unique perspective on the woman behind the philanthropy. The novel, "Last Days in Two Nations," serves as a testament to her creative spirit, showcasing her talent as a novelist once again.