“Derailed. In exile. Deeply ashamed, despised. Yet she had so little pride, she was grateful most days simply to be alive.There is Minimalist art; there are minimalist lives.”

American novelist and critic, 1938–present. She is best known for her prolific output of psychological fiction, exploring themes of isolation, trauma, and human resilience. Her work spans more than five decades, blending literary depth with unflinching social commentary.