“Except that awards are competitive, which is a negative thing, they are wonderful for singling out deserving individuals and bringing their work to the attention of many potential readers who might otherwise have been totally unaware of them.”

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.