Born in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, in the heart of Acadia, Antonine Maillet received her PhD in literature in 1970 from the Université de Laval. As well as her 17 plays and monologues and many translations, she is the author of over 20 novels. While writing and lecturing are Maillet’s main occupations, she is also often called upon to represent Acadia both here in North America and internationally. She has received more than 15 literary prizes, including the prestigious Prix Goncourt for her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette and has been awarded 31 honorary doctorates. Among other titles and honours, Antonine Maillet is a member of the Royal Society of Canada, Companion of the Order of Canada and an officer of the Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur de France. She lives in Montreal.