British author Jilly Cooper, renowned for her captivating novels exploring themes of class and sexuality, has passed away at the age of 88. Cooper died on Sunday following a fall, according to her family and literary agency, Curtis Brown. Her children described her as “the shining light in all of our lives,” expressing shock at her unexpected demise.
Legacy of Jilly Cooper
Cooper gained widespread recognition for her “Rutshire Chronicles,” a series starting with “Riders” in 1985. This humorous collection delived into the lives of the affluent, horse-riding classes of 1980s England, showcasing their scandals and relationships. The series consists of 11 novels, all of which sold millions of copies in the UK.
- Notable Works:
- “Riders” (1985)
- “Rivals” (1991)
- “Tackle!” (2023)
Recognition and Impact
Cooper’s literary contributions were celebrated by various public figures. Queen Camilla described her as “a legend” and highlighted a recent encounter at a book festival. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised her for shaping British culture and bringing joy to many readers over the past fifty years.
Cooper was awarded an OBE in 2004 for her services to literature. She was also acknowledged for her sharp social commentary and character development by her publisher, Bill Scott-Kerr.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1937 in Essex, Jilly Cooper began her career in journalism at a local newspaper in Brentford, covering various topics, including sports. She later transitioned to public relations, where she faced numerous job dismissals before entering book publishing. Her breakthrough came in 1969 with a piece in The Sunday Times that highlighted the challenges of being a working wife.
Cooper’s first book, “How to Stay Married,” was released in the same year, leading to a prolific writing career that included 18 novels, children’s books, and nonfiction. Her final work, “Tackle!,” was published in 2023, marking a continued legacy in literature.
Jilly Cooper will be fondly remembered as a literary icon who brought a unique blend of humor and insight into the lives of her characters, significantly influencing British literary culture.
