Ursula Hegi, born in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1946, is a distinguished German-born American author. Ursula's early life in a city heavily influenced by the remnants of World War II deeply shaped her perspective and later writings. The silence surrounding the war and The Holocaust, subjects that were taboo in her childhood environment, instilled in her a profound interest and sensitivity towards these themes, influencing her literary endeavors.

At the tender age of 18, Ursula embarked on a bold journey, leaving West Germany for the United States. By 1967, she had embraced her new home, becoming a naturalized citizen. Hegi's academic journey culminated in earning both a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1979. Her career in academia saw her join Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington, as an Associate Professor, where she imparted her knowledge on creative writing and contemporary literature.

Hegi's literary voice first found its home in narratives set in the United States, but it was her third book, Floating in My Mother's Palm, set in the fictional German town of "Burgdorf," that allowed her to explore her complex relationship with her German heritage. This setting became the backdrop for several more of her works, including the best-selling novel Stones from the River, which was selected for Oprah's Book Club in 1997, a milestone that significantly amplified her readership.

Among her accolades are an NEA Fellowship and five PEN Syndicated Fiction Awards, not to mention a book award from the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association for Floating in My Mother's Palm and two New York Times Notable Book mentions. Hegi's contributions to literature have also included numerous book reviews for prestigious publications like The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post.