Jonathan Littell, born on October 10, 1967, is a prominent writer living in Barcelona. Growing up in France and the United States, Littell has cultivated a unique bi-cultural identity, holding citizenship in both countries. His educational journey culminated in acquiring a bachelor's degree, after which he dedicated nine years of his life to humanitarian work. In 2001, he decided to focus solely on his writing career.
Littell's debut novel, The Kindly Ones (Les Bienveillantes), written in French, has earned him widespread acclaim, securing two of France's most prestigious literary awards: the Prix Goncourt and the Prix de l'Académie française in 2006. His work is characterized by its deep exploration of complex themes, a craft he has honed under the influence of his father, Robert Littell, a renowned writer of spy novels. Jonathan's Jewish background adds another layer of depth to his perspectives and narratives.
In a testament to his contributions to French culture, Littell was granted French nationality in March 2007, following two unsuccessful attempts in the previous year. This recognition not only highlights his literary achievements but also his significant cultural impact.