Jennifer Clement is an accomplished American-Mexican author, known for her novels, poetry, and memoirs. She has written several books, including 'Prayers for the Stolen,' 'A True Story Based on Lies,' 'Gun Love,' and 'The Poison That Fascinates.' Clement is also the author of the memoir 'Widow Basquiat,' which explores the relationship between artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and his muse Suzanne Mallouk. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages, showcasing her global appeal.
In addition to her literary accomplishments, Clement has also made significant contributions to the human rights and freedom of expression community. She served as the president of PEN Mexico from 2009 to 2012, where she worked to investigate the disappearance and killing of journalists. Her work in this area led to the passing of a law that made the crime of killing a journalist a federal offense. In 2015, Clement became the first woman to be elected as the President of PEN International since its founding in 1921. During her tenure, she oversaw the creation of the groundbreaking PEN International Women's Manifesto and The Democracy of the Imagination Manifesto.
Clement's work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. She has received the New York Times editor's choice in 2018 for 'Gun Love,' the Irish Times Best Books List 2014, and the HIP Giver Honor. In 2014, she was awarded the Sara Curry Humanitarian Award for 'Prayers for the Stolen,' which involved over ten years of research on the stealing of young girls in Mexico. She has also received fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), the UK's Canongate Prize, and the MacDowell Colony's Robert and Stephanie Olmsted Fellowship.
Clement's writing often covers important social and political issues. Her novels explore the effects of gun violence and trafficking of guns into Mexico and Central America, as well as the stealing of little girls in Mexico. Her memoir, 'Widow Basquiat,' provides a unique perspective on the New York City art world in the early 1980s. Clement's work has been adapted for the stage, including her novel 'A True Story Based on Lies' and her novel 'Prayers for the Stolen.' She is also a member of Mexico's prestigious "Sistema Nacional de Creadores."