Kristien Hemmerechts has written more than twenty novels as well as numerous collections of short stories and autobiographical essays, a body of work that has frequently been praised by critics and awarded prizes. Never one to shy away from controversy, Hemmerechts is known for her forthright opinions on social issues. She used to teach English Literature at University College Brussels and now teaches Creative Writing at University College Louvain and The Drama School of Antwerp. She has been awarded the Flemish State Prize and the Frans Kellendonk Prize for her oeuvre.