Yann Martel is a renowned Canadian author best known for his Man Booker Prize-winning novel Life of Pi. This international bestseller has been published in over 50 territories and has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. Martel's gripping tale remained on bestseller lists for more than a year, including those of the New York Times and The Globe and Mail. The novel's widespread acclaim led to a successful film adaptation directed by Ang Lee, which won four Oscars, including Best Director, and received the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.

Martel's literary prowess extends beyond Life of Pi. He has authored other notable works such as The High Mountains of Portugal, Beatrice and Virgil, and Self. His collection of stories, The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios, and a thought-provoking collection of letters to Canada's Prime Minister, 101 Letters to a Prime Minister, further showcase his versatility and depth as a writer. His accomplishments include receiving the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction in 2001 and the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in 2002.

Martel was born on June 25, 1963, in Spain and is a multilingual talent, with French being his first language. Despite this, he has chosen to write in English. After studying philosophy at Trent University and working in various odd jobs, he traveled extensively before dedicating himself to writing. He currently resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with his partner, writer Alice Kuipers, and their four children.