Frances Brooke (1724-1789), an English novelist, playwright, librettist, translator, and essayist, is renowned for her pioneering contribution to Canadian literature with her novel, The History of Emily Montague (1769), recognized as the first Canadian novel. Brooke’s work is notable for its exploration of social issues, particularly concerning women’s rights to education and autonomy in marriage, as well as her adept use of the epistolary novel form as a tool for social critique. Her background as a translator of French epistolary novels influenced her narrative style, as noted by Lorraine McMullen, which she later refined in her own works.

Brooke was born in Claypole, Lincolnshire, and after the loss of her parents, she moved to London, where she immersed herself in literary and theatrical pursuits. Marrying clergyman John Brooke in 1756, she joined him in Quebec in 1763, where she wrote Emily Montague. The novel is celebrated for its vivid depiction of Canadian landscapes, such as Niagara Falls, and its engagement with themes of colonization, cultural diversity, and gender roles. Ann Edwards Boutelle posits that Brooke’s work also anticipates feminist themes, foreshadowing later feminist writings.

Brooke’s literary career also included managing King’s Theatre in London, where she staged ballets and operas, and crafting other notable works like The Excursion (1777) and The History of Lady Julia Mandeville (1763), the latter earning acclaim from figures like Voltaire. Her use of the epistolary format to address sentimental and social issues is discussed by Barbara M. Benedict, who highlights her challenge to sentimental norms.

While Brooke's work was overlooked in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, contemporary critics have rediscovered her writings. Feminist and post-colonial scholars have particularly engaged with Emily Montague, exploring its insights into imperialism, racial dynamics, and environmental exploitation. Moreover, Brooke’s nuanced portrayal of women’s restricted roles in society is underscored by critics like Mary Jane Edwards, who notes the influence of her family’s clerical background on her religious themes. Overall, Brooke’s literary legacy continues to be influential in discussions of early Canadian literature and women’s rights.