Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an Indian-born American author, poet, and the Betty and Gene McDavid Professor of Writing at the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. She is widely recognized for her contributions to literature, especially for works that explore the experiences of South Asian immigrants. Her short story collection, Arranged Marriage, won an American Book Award in 1996.

Several of her novels, including The Mistress of Spices and Sister of My Heart, as well as a short story titled The Word Love, have been adapted into films. Her writing spans across various genres such as realistic fiction, historical fiction, magical realism, myth, and fantasy, and she writes for both children and adults.

Chitra's work has been published in over 50 magazines, including Atlantic Monthly and The New Yorker, and featured in numerous anthologies. Her writings have been translated into 29 languages, making her an influential voice in contemporary literature.

In addition to her literary achievements, she is an activist focusing on education and domestic violence. She has been actively involved with several nonprofits including Pratham, Akshaya Patra, Daya, and Maitri. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband, Murthy.

Her notable works include One Amazing Thing, Oleander Girl, Sister of My Heart, and Palace of Illusions, many of which are being adapted into films.