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Jilly Cooper, a prominent figure in British literature and a master of romantic storytelling, has passed away at the age of 88. Her agency, Curtis Brown, confirmed that she died following an accidental fall. Cooper leaves behind a literary legacy that will be celebrated for generations.
Her children, Felix and Emily, expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying, “Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.
We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter.”
From journalism to romantic fiction
Cooper’s journey into the world of literature began in journalism, where she refined her writing skills before transitioning to romantic fiction.
She gained widespread recognition with her series known as the “Rutshire Chronicles,” which explores the lives of the British upper class. The novels are distinguished by their scandalous plots centered on the love lives and escapades of characters such as Rupert Campbell-Black, a fictional politician whose charisma captivated readers.
The rise of the bonkbuster
Her debut novel, Riders, published in 1985, became an international sensation, marking the onset of what would later be termed bonkbusters—a genre defined by its steamy themes and engaging narratives. Following this success, Cooper continued to captivate her audience with sequels including Rivals, Polo, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, and Appassionata, each showcasing her signature blend of humor, drama, and insight.
A cultural icon in modern media
Cooper’s work has recently seen a resurgence in popular culture, particularly with the Disney+ adaptation of Rivals, featuring actors David Tennant and Aidan Turner. Cooper served as an executive producer for the series, further enhancing her influence in contemporary storytelling.
The excitement surrounding the adaptation has generated significant interest as a second season is in development.
Reflections on her impact
Jilly Cooper’s agent, Felicity Blunt, expressed her admiration, stating, “The privilege of my career has been working with a woman who has defined culture, writing, and conversation since she was first published over fifty years ago. Jilly will undoubtedly be best remembered for her chart-topping series, The Rutshire Chronicles, and its havoc-making and handsome show-jumping hero, Rupert Campbell-Black.” Blunt noted that although her books were often labeled as bonkbusters, they encompassed complex themes such as class, sex, marriage, rivalry, grief, and fertility, all delivered with sharp wit and keen insight.
Bill Scott-Kerr, Cooper’s long-time publisher, shared his experience, saying, “Working with Jilly Cooper over the past thirty years has been one of the great privileges and joys of my publishing life. Beyond her genius as a novelist, she was always a personal heroine of mine for so many other reasons. Her kindness and friendship, her humor and irrepressible enthusiasm, her curiosity, her courage, and her profound love of animals are facets of her character that will be dearly missed.”
As the literary community mourns the loss of Jilly Cooper, her stories and characters will endure, reminding readers of the joy and complexity of human relationships. Her unique voice and unparalleled contributions to the genre of romantic fiction will resonate in the hearts of those who have encountered her work.
