The award-winning writer Ioanna Karystiani was born on 8 September 1952 in Chania, Crete, to Asia Minor–born parents. She studied Law.
Professionally, she worked in cartooning and illustration under the name “Ioanna.” She worked for the newspaper Rizospastis, as well as the magazines Tetarto, Ena, and Eikones, and also contributed to foreign newspapers.
She made her literary debut in 1994 with the short story collection Mrs. Kataki. This was followed by Suit in the Dust, The Saint of Loneliness, Brides, Swell, The Sacks, Thoughtful Weather, Little England, and The Gorge.
