September 03

Sarah Orne Jewett was an American author known for her sensitive and atmospheric portrayals of New England rural communities. Born in South Berwick, Maine, in 1849, she published her first novel, "Deephaven," in 1877 and quickly gained critical acclaim. Her 1896 masterpiece, "The Country of the Pointed Firs," remains a landmark of American local color fiction. Jewett often collaborated with friend and mentor Annie Adams Fields, contributing to Boston literary circles. Her stories emphasize themes of friendship, nature, and the quiet dignity of ordinary lives. Jewett's work influenced later American short story writers and solidified her reputation as a leading literary figure of her era.

Sally Benson gained acclaim for her 'Junior Miss' short stories in The New Yorker, which humorously depicted adolescent life in the 1940s. Her writings provided the foundation for the beloved MGM musical film 'Meet Me in St. Louis,' released in 1944. As a screenwriter, Benson co-wrote the film's screenplay, blending charming dialogue with warm family narratives. She also wrote mystery novels and contributed to radio scripts, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Benson's keen observational style and nostalgic storytelling continue to captivate readers and audiences.

Loren Eiseley (1907–1977) was an American anthropologist, philosopher, and celebrated author known for his poetic reflections on natural history. He earned his Ph.D. in anthropology and held professorships at the University of Pennsylvania. Eiseley's bestselling works, such as The Immense Journey and The Firmament of Time, blended scientific insight with lyrical prose. He explored themes of human evolution, the mysteries of the past, and our place in the universe. His essays were widely read by both academic and general audiences, earning him recognition as one of America's foremost science writers. Eiseley received numerous awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, and influenced generations of naturalists and thinkers.

Tereska Torrès was a French author who served in the Free French Forces during World War II and participated in the liberation of France. After the war, she published the bestselling novel "Women’s Barracks" (1950), one of the first works to openly portray female soldiers and explore lesbian relationships. Torrès followed with memoirs and novels that reflected her wartime experiences and Franco-Moroccan background. Her writing was praised for its frankness, emotional depth, and social insight. She later became a vocal advocate for women’s rights and continued to write into her later years. Her pioneering contributions to literature opened new narratives for women and wartime memoirs.

Marguerite Higgins was an influential American reporter known for her frontline war coverage during World War II and the Korean War. She worked for the New York Herald Tribune and was the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Foreign Correspondence, awarded in 1951 for her reporting on the Korean conflict. Higgins reported from Europe, North Africa, and Asia, often ahead of combat troops, and her fearless journalism brought global attention to the human cost of war. She authored several books, including her memoir "War in Korea" and the history "Crossroads of War." Higgins championed press access and challenged military restrictions on reporters, paving the way for future generations of women journalists. Her legacy endures through her pioneering contributions to war correspondence and journalism ethics.

Born in Chicago, Alison Lurie earned degrees from Radcliffe College and Oxford University before joining the faculty at Cornell University in 1959. She specialized in children’s literature and Victorian fiction while writing her own novels. Lurie’s work is known for its sharp social satire, nuanced characters, and observations on cultural clashes. Her 1984 novel Foreign Affairs won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1985 and cemented her reputation as a leading voice in American letters. In addition to novels, she authored essays, children’s books, and memoirs, leaving a diverse literary legacy.

Cherry Wilder (born Cherry Barbara Grimm) began her literary career in the 1970s, publishing short stories and poetry. She gained acclaim with her first novel, "The Luck of Brin's Five," which blended space opera with lyrical prose. Wilder's most popular work includes the Torin Trilogy, noted for its rich world-building and empathetic characters. Her writing earned multiple award nominations, including the Ditmar and Mythopoeic Awards. Beyond novels, she contributed poems and short fiction to international anthologies. Wilder's imaginative vision influenced a generation of speculative fiction writers before her passing in 2002.

Liliane Ackermann (1938–2007) was a French microbiologist and community leader whose work bridged science, faith, and culture. She conducted research in bacterial physiology, publishing articles in scientific journals. Beyond her scientific career, Ackermann authored several books exploring Jewish thought and identity, blending scholarly insight with personal reflection. As a lecturer, she traveled extensively, speaking at community centers and academic institutions. Her leadership in Jewish organizations helped foster intercultural dialogue and youth engagement. Ackermann's interdisciplinary contributions left a lasting impact on both academic and religious communities.

Sarah Bradford (born 1938) is an English historian and journalist best known for her authoritative biographies. Her works on Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, and Queen Victoria combine meticulous research with narrative flair. Bradford began her career as a journalist before turning to full-time writing, earning praise for her balanced portrayal of historical personalities. She has also written biographies of Joséphine de Beauharnais, Warren Hastings, and Diana, Princess of Wales. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Bradford continues to lecture on historical subjects and advise documentary productions, solidifying her reputation as a leading biographer.

Caryl Churchill (born 1938) is a pioneering playwright whose avant-garde dramas have transformed contemporary theatre. Her plays, such as 'Top Girls', 'Cloud Nine', and 'Serious Money', address themes of gender, power, and social justice with wit and bold structure. Churchill often employs non-linear narratives and fragmented dialogue to challenge traditional storytelling. She has received numerous awards, including the Olivier Award and the Obie Award, and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In addition to theatre, she has written for radio, television, and opera libretti. Churchill's work continues to inspire new generations of playwrights and performers around the world.

Born in Montevideo, Eduardo Galeano began his career as a journalist and editor in Uruguay before going into exile during military dictatorship. His 1971 book 'Open Veins of Latin America' became a seminal critique of colonialism and economic exploitation. Galeano's 'Memory of Fire' trilogy blended history, myth, and personal reflection in lyrical prose. His writing championed social justice, human rights, and the voices of the marginalized. Galeano returned to Uruguay in 1985 and remained a leading intellectual until his death in 2015. His works continue to influence writers, activists, and readers worldwide.

Sergei Dovlatov began his career as a journalist in Leningrad before facing censorship and emigrating to the United States in 1979. His works, including 'The Zone' and 'Pushkin Hills', blend satire, memoir, and keen observations of Soviet life. Dovlatov's understated style and dark humor earned him a devoted following among Russian-speaking readers abroad. He wrote for The New Yorker and The New York Times Book Review, introducing his voice to a wider audience. Despite his early death in 1990, his popularity grew posthumously, inspiring new generations of writers. Dovlatov is remembered for his humanity, sharp wit, and unique narrative voice.