Millicent Dillon, a celebrated novelist and short-story writer, passed away on Monday at the age of 99. She spent much of her career exploring the fascinating lives of Jane and Paul Bowles, the eccentric American authors who called Morocco home for decades.

Born with a knack for both science and storytelling, Dillon initially worked as a physicist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory after World War II. But the devastation of Hiroshima shifted her focus. She later shared, “By the end of the war, I knew I had to search elsewhere for my work in life.” That search led her to writing, where she made her mark.

Dillon won the prestigious O. Henry Award five times for her short stories. But her true passion was uncovering the lives of the Bowleses, especially Jane Bowles, whose work was often overshadowed by her husband’s fame. Paul Bowles is best known for his classic novel “The Sheltering Sky,” set in North Africa.

Her 1981 biography, A Little Original Sin: The Life and Work of Jane Bowles, brought Jane’s unique voice back into the spotlight. Critics called Jane a “literary cult figure,” thanks in part to Dillon’s efforts. Over the years, Dillon edited several collections of the Bowleses’ letters and writings, ensuring their legacy remained alive.

Dillon’s work wasn’t just about facts—it was about storytelling. She painted vivid portraits of these complex figures, making their world accessible to readers everywhere. Her dedication to their stories has left an indelible mark on literary history.

Millicent Dillon’s passing is a loss for the literary community, but her work ensures the Bowleses’ legacy will continue to inspire.