Helen Humphreys: Canadian writer profile

Hometown: Born in London, England; lives in Kingston, Ont.

Kudos: Her first book, Coventry, was a number-one national bestseller and among the Globe and Mail Top 100 Books of the Year; three of her five previous novels have been named New York Times Notable Books of the Year.

Her new book: The Reinvention of Love, $30. A story of the long-time passion between Charles Sainte-Beuve and Adèle Hugo, wife of writer Victor Hugo; the terrible vengeance enacted by Victor when he finds out about the affair; and the repercussions of his actions, not only on the lovers but on Victor’s own family. A finely wrought, haunting story firmly grounded in fact. — L.G.

Behind the scenes: Humphreys was kicked out of Grade 10 and had to finish her diploma at an alternative school.