Sofia Oksanen is a Finnish author and playwright, born on January 7, 1977, in Jyväskylä, Finland. She is best known for her novel Purge, which gained international acclaim and won several awards, including the Finlandia Prize. Oksanen's works often explore themes of identity, history, and the impact of totalitarian regimes. In addition to her writing, Oksanen is an outspoken advocate for human rights and has been involved in various social issues, particularly concerning women's rights and freedom of expression. Her literary contributions have made her a significant figure in contemporary Finnish literature.