Marlon James is a Jamaican-born writer, recognized for his compelling narratives and unique storytelling style. He has published several acclaimed novels, including John Crow's Devil (2005), The Book of Night Women (2009), and A Brief History of Seven Killings (2014), the latter of which won the prestigious 2015 Man Booker Prize.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, James grew up with a profound exposure to literature, influenced by his parents who were both in the Jamaican police force. His mother, a detective, introduced him to prose, while his father, a lawyer, shared his appreciation for Shakespeare and Coleridge. This rich literary background paved the way for James's future accomplishments.

James is a 1991 graduate of the University of the West Indies, where he studied Language and Literature, further honing his skills with a master's degree in creative writing from Wilkes University. Now residing in Minneapolis, he is a literature professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and also lectures on Creative Writing at St. Francis University.