Anita Shreve's background in journalism and experience in sociological studies have influenced her style of writing and the subject matter of her novels. Shreve's nonfiction work focuses on women's issues such as child care, health, and career. Shreve has also examined sociological and psychological concerns, such as the effects that working and single mothers have on their children. In her novels Shreve portrays psychological struggles within the minds of her characters and explores the adversities and complexities of relationships between men and women. She sets her novels mostly in New England and Europe in the midst of political and social turmoil and often focuses on human emotion rather than action and suspense. Critics praise Shreve for her well-researched material and attention to detail.

Anita Shreve was born in Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1946. Few specific details of Shreve's personal life are available; Shreve is protective of her privacy. After graduating...