Esther Rochon is considered a major figure in Quebec science-fiction and fantasy writing. Her involvement in the promotion of this literature and the originality of her literary productions have made for a strong and continually growing presence within Quebec. Despite translations of some of her work into German, Dutch, and English, and the availability of her work in France, Rochon has yet to receive substantial international attention. Many critics attribute Rochon's mainly local success to the paucity of English translations of her work, and some also argue that Rochon is underrated even within Quebec.

Rochon's ancestors are of Scottish, Irish, and Quebecois origins. She was born Esther Blackburn in Quebec City on 27 June 1948. She spent a few of her early years in Ottawa; then in 1956 she moved to Montreal and has lived there since. Her parents, Maurice and Marthe Blackburn, had met in Quebec City within the musical...