Anne-Marie Alonzo

Anne-Marie Alonzo, born on December thirteenth, nineteen fifty-one, is a distinguished Canadian journalist, poet, writer, editor, art critic, storyteller, novelist, playwright, and essayist. Her journey began in Alexandria, Egypt, where she was born to a father of Palestinian descent and a mother with Syrian and Maltese roots. In nineteen sixty-three, at the age of twelve, she immigrated to Quebec, Canada, where she would later make significant contributions to the literary world.

Tragedy struck in nineteen sixty-six when, at the age of fifteen, Alonzo was involved in a car accident that left her quadriplegic and reliant on a wheelchair. Despite this life-altering event, she pursued her education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in nineteen seventy-six, a Master of Arts degree in nineteen seventy-eight, and a Ph.D. in French studies in nineteen eighty-six from the Université de Montréal.

Alonzo is the author of twenty books, showcasing her versatility across various genres. Her poetry collection, Bleus de mine, garnered critical acclaim, winning the Prix Émile-Nelligan in nineteen eighty-five and receiving a nomination for the Governor General's Awards the same year. In addition to her writing, she co-founded Trois magazine and launched the Festival littéraire de Trois in nineteen eighty-nine, further enriching the cultural landscape of Quebec.

In recognition of her contributions to Canadian literature and culture, Alonzo was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in nineteen ninety-six, solidifying her legacy as a prominent figure in the arts.