Born in Winnipeg, J.R. Leveille is the author of over thirty books of poetry, fiction and essays published in Canada and abroad. He is the most widely reviewed contemporary Western Canadian Francophone author. An international symposium on his work was held in 2005. Leveille has won numerous literary awards, including the Manitoba Lifetime Writing and Publishing Award. Le soleil du lac qui se couche/The Setting Lake Sun has amassed numerous accolades, including winner of the Prix Champlain, winner of Le Prix Litteraire Rue-Deschambault, Very Honourable Mention--John Glassco Translation Award, and shortlisted for the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award. It was chosen by readers as the winner in Manitoba's On the Same Page competition in 2011.