Claire Messud is an acclaimed American novelist and esteemed professor of literature and creative writing. Renowned for her compelling narratives, she gained widespread recognition with her 2006 novel The Emperor's Children. Messud's rich and diverse background has greatly influenced her work, having grown up across the United States, Australia, and Canada, before eventually settling back in the United States during her teenage years.

Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, to a Canadian mother and a French father from French Algeria, Messud's life has been a tapestry of cultural experiences. Her scholastic journey took her from the halls of Milton Academy to the prestigious campuses of Yale University and Cambridge University. It was at Cambridge where she crossed paths with her future spouse, esteemed British literary critic James Wood. Additionally, Messud honed her craft in the MFA program at Syracuse University, further solidifying her literary prowess.

Today, Messud resides with her husband and family in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she continues to inspire and educate the next generation of writers.