Jean Rhys, CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), originally named Ella Gwendoline Rees Williams, was a distinguished British novelist with roots in the Caribbean island of Dominica. Her journey into the realms of literature began at an early age, and by 16, she had moved to England for her education, a decision that marked the beginning of a predominantly UK-based life.

Rhys is celebrated for her contribution to literature, most notably through her novel Wide Sargasso Sea (1966), which is revered as a prequel to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre. This masterpiece not only showcased her unique narrative style but also earned her the prestigious WH Smith Literary Award in 1967. Prior to this acclaim, Rhys's early novels, published in the 1920s and 1930s, navigated her literary path.

Her life was one of considerable adventure and struggle, characterized by her move to England and later Europe, where she embraced the Bohemian lifestyle. Rhys's experiences during this time, including her encounters with modern art and literature, and her battles with poverty and alcoholism, deeply influenced her writing and thematic choices. In 1978, a year before her death, Rhys was honored with the title of CBE for her significant contributions to literature.