Joseph O'Neill is an Irish-born novelist renowned for his novel Netherland. Born on February 23, 1964, in Cork, Ireland, O'Neill's life is one of global mobility, having spent his childhood in Mozambique, South Africa, Iran, Turkey, and the Netherlands. His literary works span various genres, including novels such as This is the Life and The Breezes, as well as non-fiction, with his notable book Blood-Dark Track delving into a family history marked by the enigmatic imprisonment of both his grandfathers during World War II, a narrative that earned a place as a New York Times Notable Book.

O'Neill's contributions extend beyond his books; he is a regular writer for The Atlantic. His professional and personal life has taken him to New York City, where he currently resides with his family.