Jilly Cooper, a beloved British author renowned for her risqué, witty novels chronicling the escapades of the upper classes, has died at the age of 88 following a fall at her home in the Cotswolds. Known for her gap-toothed grin, laughter-lined eyes, and distinctive ash-blonde hair, Cooper was a figure of warmth and charm—universally adored by publishers, interviewers, and readers alike. She was often regarded by journalists as a figure akin to a Queen Mother—endearing, astute, and possessing a wicked sense of humour tempered by a self-effacing nature.

Cooper’s legacy is most vividly marked by her “bonkbusters,” racy novels that detailed the lives of media figures, sportsmen, and the upper crust with a mix of bawdy humour, social satire, and intricate plotting. Central to her fame were the Rutshire Chronicles, with novels such as Riders (1985) and Rivals (1988) becoming bestsellers that significantly shaped the genre. The latter was recently adapted into a popular Disney+ series starring David Tennant, contributing to a resurgence of interest in her work among new generations. Riders, however, took her two decades to write, famously losing the first manuscript in a moment of drunken misfortune on a London bus, a story that illustrates the whimsical, sometimes chaotic nature of her career.

Her fictional world was rich with characters inspired by real people—from Rupert Campbell-Black, speculated to be modelled in part on Andrew Parker Bowles, to other aristocratic and political figures. Despite the provocative subject matter, Cooper’s writing was never pornographic; rather, it combined spirited sexual themes with broader social observations and complex character relationships, ensuring readers were emotionally invested beyond the titillating covers.

Born in Essex in 1937, Dame Jilly’s career began in journalism after starting as a young reporter in the 1950s. Her early life was marked by a spirited personality and a relentless zest for life and men, a lifelong theme reflected in both her books and public persona. Her marriage to Leo Cooper endured turbulence yet longevity; they adopted two children after she was unable to conceive. Their bond survived infidelity—a poignant chapter in her life that she publicly addressed with candour and forgiveness.

In addition to her novels, Cooper was a prolific non-fiction writer and dog enthusiast, authoring works that celebrated canine companions with humour and affection. Her passion for animals—dogs in particular—was well known, adding a softer dimension to her public image.

Despite a career spanning over five decades and the acquisition of honours including an OBE in 2004, a CBE in 2018, and a damehood in 2024, Cooper remained refreshingly unpretentious about her success. She famously worked with the same manual typewriter, dubbed Monica, eschewing modern technology for a hands-on approach to her craft. Her fast-paced and disciplined writing process, combined with meticulous research, underpinned the vivid worlds she created.

Jilly Cooper’s death marks the end of an era for British literature, one characterised by a celebratory embrace of life's pleasures and complexities. Her novels, combining humour, romance, and social commentary, entertained millions and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her friends, family, and fans remember her as a woman who brought joy and wit to every page and whose spirit was forever young.

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Source: Noah Wire Services