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Caroline Dawson

Caroline Dawson was a Chilean-born Canadian writer, sociologist, and college teacher based in Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Caroline Dawson was a Chilean-born Canadian writer, sociologist, and college teacher based in Quebec. She is best known for her debut novel *Là où je me terre* (2020), along with the poetry collection *Ce qui est tu* (2023) and the children’s book *Partir de loin* (2024).

Biography

Caroline Dawson was born on December 12, 1979, in Valparaíso, Chile. She moved to Montreal with her family in 1986 as refugees from the Pinochet dictatorship. She studied sociology at the Université de Montréal and later taught sociology at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit. Dawson died of bone cancer on May 19, 2024, in Montreal, at age 44.

Writing career

Dawson’s first book, *Là où je me terre*, was published in 2020 and received multiple literary nominations and awards attention. The work is autobiographical, addressing immigration, identity, and racism. She published the poetry collection *Ce qui est tu* in 2023, and the children’s book *Partir de loin* in 2024.

Teaching and public activity

In addition to writing, Dawson taught sociology at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit. She was also involved in the Festival de littérature jeunesse de Montréal and contributed to literary publications and collective works.

Legacy

Dawson’s work was recognized within Quebec and Canadian literary circles. A CBC/Radio-Canada French division prize was created in her name shortly before her death. Her writing is associated with migrant memory, family history, and social integration.

Key facts

  • Caroline Dawson was born in Valparaíso, Chile, and moved to Montreal as a political refugee in 1986.
  • She studied sociology at the Université de Montréal and taught at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit.
  • Her debut novel *Là où je me terre* (2020) received literary nominations and awards attention.
  • She published the poetry collection *Ce qui est tu* (2023) and the children’s book *Partir de loin* (2024).
  • She died of bone cancer on May 19, 2024, at age 44.
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Canadian context

Dawson is relevant to Canadian readers as a Quebec-based author and teacher whose work explores immigration, French-language writing, and Quebec literary culture. Her books and teaching career were centered in Montreal and Longueuil, and her work received Canadian literary recognition.[1][12]

Frequently asked questions

Who was Caroline Dawson?
She was a Chilean-born Canadian writer, sociologist, and college teacher known for her literary work in Quebec.
What is Caroline Dawson best known for?
She is best known for her debut novel *Là où je me terre* (2020).
What other books did she publish?
She also published the poetry collection *Ce qui est tu* (2023) and the children’s book *Partir de loin* (2024).
Where was Caroline Dawson born?
She was born in Valparaíso, Chile, in 1979.
Did Caroline Dawson live in Canada?
Yes. She moved to Montreal with her family in 1986 and later worked and lived in Quebec.
When did Caroline Dawson die?
She died on May 19, 2024, in Montreal, at age 44.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Dawson_(writer)
    Supports: Birth and death dates, Chilean-born Canadian identity, move to Montreal in 1986, education, teaching role, and major publications.
  2. Dictionnaire des auteurs des francophonieshttps://www.daliaf.com/auteurs-autrices/caroline-dawson
    Supports: Birth in 1979 in Valparaíso, arrival in Quebec as a political refugee, university studies, teaching, and publication of *Là où je me terre*.
  3. Espace de la diversitéhttps://espacedeladiversite.org/en/author/caroline-dawson-2/
    Supports: Immigration to Quebec, teaching sociology, literary involvement, and publication of *Là où je me terre* and *Ce qui est tu*.
  4. Book*hug Presshttps://bookhugpress.ca/author-bios/caroline-dawson/
    Supports: Birth in Chile, immigration to Quebec, authorship of *Là où je me terre* and *Ce qui est tu*, and teaching/co-organizing activities.
  5. The Globe and Mailhttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-author-caroline-dawson-opened-a-window-on-the-immigrant-experience-in/
    Supports: Death in 2024, age at death, later publications, teaching career, and family details.