M.J. Hyland is a renowned author, born in London in 1968 to Irish parents. She spent her early childhood in Dublin before moving to Melbourne, Australia to study law and English at the University of Melbourne. Hyland's background in law is an interesting aspect of her life, as she would later use her experiences and knowledge to inform her writing.
Hyland's writing career took off with her first novel, "How the Light Gets In," which was published in 2003. The novel was a critical success, earning her a spot on the shortlist for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Age Book of the Year. It also took third place in the Barnes & Noble, Discover Great New Writers Award and was joint winner of the Best Young Australian Novelist Award. This early success established Hyland as a talented new voice in contemporary literature.
Her second novel, "Carry Me Down," was published in 2006 and cemented her reputation as a formidable writer. The novel won the Encore Prize and the Hawthornden Prize in 2007, and was also shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize. Hyland's ability to tackle complex themes and create compelling characters has earned her a wide following and critical acclaim.
Currently, Hyland lives in Manchester, England, where she teaches in the Centre for New Writing at Manchester University. Her work continues to be celebrated for its depth, insight, and emotional power. Hyland's contributions to literature have been significant, and she remains a prominent figure in the literary world.