Per Petterson, born on 18 July 1952 in Oslo, Norway, is a celebrated novelist known for his significant contributions to Norwegian literature. Petterson's literary journey began with the publication of his debut book, Aske i munnen, sand i skoa (1987), a collection of short stories that marked the start of his illustrious career.

His works, deeply rooted in personal and historical narratives, explore themes of loss, memory, and identity. Petterson experienced a personal tragedy in 1990 when he lost his mother, father, younger brother, and a niece in the Scandinavian Star ferry disaster, an event that profoundly influenced his writing. His novel In the Wake (2002), tells the story of a young man grappling with the loss of his family in a similar disaster, showcasing Petterson's ability to weave personal grief into compelling fiction.

Petterson's breakthrough novel, Out Stealing Horses (2003), received widespread acclaim, winning the Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature and the Booksellers’ Best Book of the Year Award. The English translation of the novel went on to win the 2006 Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and the 2007 International Dublin Literary Award, emphasizing Petterson's international appeal. His novel I Curse the River of Time (2008) further cemented his reputation, winning the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 2009.

Before embarking on a full-time writing career, Petterson worked as a bookstore clerk, translator, and literary critic. He also trained as a librarian and worked as a bookseller, experiences that enriched his understanding of literature. Influenced by writers such as Knut Hamsun and Raymond Carver, Petterson has carved a niche for himself in the literary world. His works have been translated into almost 50 languages, making him one of Norway's most translated authors.