Joanne Harris was born of a French mother and English father, and spent most of her childhood holidays on the island of Noirmoutier, in southern Brittany and Nerac, in Gascony, where she was immersed in French village life, folklore and tradition.

She is the author of two previous novels, Sleep, Pale Sister, and The Evil Seed. Her fourth, Blackberry Wine was published in March 2000 to great critical acclaim. Joanne lives in Yorkshire with her husband and young daughter.