Born in General Roca, Argentina, Paola Kaufmann studied Biology in Buenos Aires and later at Smith College in Massachusetts. She wrote several science books but soon turned to fiction. In 2005 she received the prestigious Planeta Award for her book "EL Lago". Kaufmann was also the author of "La Noche Descalza", which won the Premio Nacional de las Artes, "El Campo de Golf del Diablo" (2002), winner of the Premio del Fondo Nacional de las Artes, and "La Hermana", based on the life of poet Emily Dickinson, which was awarded the Premio Casa de las Américas. She died of cancer at 37.