Elizabeth Stromme dead at 59

Though Elizabeth Stromme lived in the Los Angeles area, she was unusual in that her novels – written in English – were first published in French. That changed in 2003 when JOE’S WORD, originally published in France in 1996 by Gallimard, found a home with City Lights Books. I remember when it came out and thought that it looked intriguing, but summarily forgot about it. Now I won’t, and look forward to the possibility that earlier works and a manuscript she was working on may see the light of day in America.

An obituary published in the LA Times reports that Stromme died of gastric cancer last Thursday at a relative’s home. She is survived by her husband (and translator) Philippe Garnier, and two sisters.