Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw

Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw is Professor of French Literature and Creative Writing at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, specializing in Francophone Caribbean literature and an accomplished author. After completing her PhD in 1995, Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw joined the Faculty of Humanities and Education at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus in 1999, where she now serves as Professor of French Literature and Creative Writing.

Her distinguished academic career specializes in Francophone Caribbean literature, complemented by her work as a prolific author. In 2007, she published her critically acclaimed first collection of short stories, ‘Four Taxis Facing North,’ which the Caribbean Review of Books recognized as one of the best works of that year for its detailed portrayal of class and race. The collection’s success led to its translation into Italian in 2010. Building on this success, Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw released her debut novel, ‘Mrs.

Augustine, a prestigious role she is undertaking for a three-year term. Most recently, in 2024, Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw received the esteemed title of Officier of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques from the Government of France, a testament to her profound contributions to French culture and education. She is currently engaged in writing a new book of essays, which explores the complex theme of trauma in Caribbean fiction, continuing her impactful exploration of the region’s literary landscape.