Daphne Merkin is a novelist and critic know for her forthright attitude towards issues of family, religion, money, and sex as well as her ability to straddle the High/Low cultural divide. Merkin has been a staff writer for The New Yorker and a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine,“T” Magazine, Elle and Tablet. She has written frequently for other publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Bookforum, the Times Literary Supplement, Travel & Leisure, Departures, and Allure. Her works have been highly acclaimed including the honor of Best American Essay in 2001. She is also the author of five books including her most recent title, Unconditional Love (2020).