Born in Nigeria and raised in South London, Helen Oyeyemi began writing novels while still in school. Her literary career took off during her college years when her plays were performed and published. She has since published numerous novels and a collection of short stories, earning recognition and awards for her distinctive voice and creative storytelling.

Oyeyemi's work often draws inspiration from mythology, as seen in "The Opposite House" which is influenced by Cuban folklore. Her novels have been critically acclaimed, with "White Is for Witching" being a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award and winning a Somerset Maugham Award. She has been acknowledged on lists such as Venus Zine's "25 under 25" and Granta's Best of Young British Novelists. Oyeyemi has also served as a judge for prestigious literary awards, including the International Booker Prize and the Goldsmiths Prize. She has resided in Prague since 2013.

Helen Oyeyemi's writing journey began at a young age, with her first novel, "The Icarus Girl," conceived while she was a student. Her early creative output also included plays, "Juniper's Whitening" and "Victimese," which were performed and later published. Her second novel, "The Opposite House," demonstrates an early engagement with mythic structures, drawing inspiration from Cuban mythology. This inclination towards weaving folklore and imaginative elements into her narratives became a hallmark of her work. Her third novel, "White Is for Witching," further solidified her reputation, receiving award nominations and accolades, indicating a growing recognition for her unique narrative style.

Oyeyemi's career has been marked by consistent critical attention and numerous honors. Her novel "Mr. Fox" preceded her election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and her inclusion in Granta's Best of Young British Novelists list. The publication of "Boy, Snow, Bird" and later her story collection, "What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours," continued this trajectory. The latter earned her the PEN Open Book Award, specifically recognizing exceptional work by an author of color. Novels like "Gingerbread," "Peaces," and more recently "Parasol Against the Axe" and "A New New Me," showcase her sustained output and exploration of diverse settings, including her long-term residence in the Czech Republic.