Renowned Author Christina Thompson of “Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia” Passes Away

Remembering Christina Thompson: An Acclaimed Author’s Enduring Legacy

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the literary world mourns the untimely death of Christina Thompson, the award-winning author behind “Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia.” A luminary in the literary landscape, Thompson’s contributions have left an indelible mark, earning her esteemed accolades and recognition.

Christina Thompson WestJet Obituary – A Literary Triumph

Christina Thompson’s literary triumph, “Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia,” stands as a testament to her prowess as an author. The book garnered prestigious awards, including the 2020 Australian Prime Minister’s Literary Award, the 2020 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, and the 2019 NSW Premier’s General History Award. Thompson’s work was also a finalist for renowned honors like the 2020 Phi Beta Kappa Ralph Waldo Emerson Award, the 2019 Mountbatten Maritime Award, the 2019 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award, and the 2019 Queensland Literary Awards.

Celebrating a Storied Career

Christina Thompson’s literary journey extends beyond her celebrated second book. Her debut work, “Come on Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All,” earned recognition as a finalist for the 2009 NSW Premier’s Literary Award and the 2010 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing.

An Accomplished Scholar and Editor

Born in Switzerland and raised outside Boston, Christina held dual citizenship in the United States and Australia. She pursued her education at Dartmouth College, earning a BA, and completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne. An accomplished scholar, she held post-doctoral fellowships at the East-West Center in Honolulu and the University of Queensland.

Christina’s editorial contributions were significant, serving as the editor of the Australian literary journal Meanjin. Since 2000, she served as the editor of Harvard Review, further enriching the literary landscape. Her achievements were recognized with an NEH Public Scholar Award, fellowships from the NEA, the Australia Council, and ArtsVictoria.

A Legacy Beyond Words

Christina Thompson’s impact transcended her written words. As a writing instructor at Harvard University Extension, she shared her knowledge with aspiring writers. Her life outside Boston, filled with creativity and family, included her husband and three sons.

In 2023, Christina was set to embark on a new chapter as a Creative Arts Fellow at the National Library of Australia, continuing her dedication to literature and academia. The news of her passing leaves a void in the literary world, but her enduring legacy will continue to captivate audiences and inspire generations to come.