Colm Tóibín is an Irish author and playwright, born on May 30, 1955, in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland. He is known for his novels, essays, and short stories that often explore themes of identity, family, and the complexities of life in Ireland. Tóibín's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance. Tóibín has received numerous awards for his work, including the Costa Book Award and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Some of his most notable novels include Brooklyn, which was adapted into a successful film, and The Master, a fictional portrayal of the life of author Henry James.