Helen DeWitt is a novelist and short story writer known for her literary intelligence and innovative storytelling techniques. She was born on December 17, 1957, in Takoma Park, Maryland, United States. DeWitt grew up in South America and pursued her higher education in Classics at Oxford University. Her debut novel, "The Last Samurai," published in 2000, garnered critical acclaim for its original narrative structure and exploration of themes like prodigious talent, intellectual ambition, and parent-child relationships. DeWitt's writing is often characterized by her use of multiple languages, her interest in mathematics, logic, and the constraints of conventional literary form. She has faced challenges in the publishing industry but has maintained a dedicated readership. Her work, which includes novels and short stories, reflects her diverse interests and erudition, often incorporating elements of satire, humor, and metafiction.