Dominique Lapierre was a renowned French author, celebrated for his bestselling works such as La ciudad de la alegría, Mil soles, Esta noche la libertad, Era medianoche en Bhopal, and Más grandes que el amor, many of which were co-authored with Larry Collins.

Born in Châtelaillon-Plage, Charente-Maritime, France, Lapierre showed an early interest in travel, writing, and automobiles. At thirteen, he traveled to America with his diplomatic father and attended the Jesuit school in New Orleans, where he also worked as a paperboy for the "New Orleans Item." Following his conscription into the French Army during the early 1950s, Lapierre spent time in a tank regiment before transferring to SHAPE headquarters as an interpreter. It was here he forged a strong friendship with Larry Collins, an American Army corporal and Yale graduate.

Lapierre's work as a reporter for Paris Match from 1954 to 1967 further honed his storytelling skills, contributing greatly to his global literary success.

In recognition of his significant contributions to literature and society, Lapierre was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the President of India, Pratibha Patil, in 2008.