Catherine Cookson
Personal Information
Description
Catherine Ann McMullen was born on 27 June 1906 in Tyne Dock, England, UK. She grew up as daugther of Rose and John McMullen, but was the illegitimate daughter of Kate Fawcett, whom she believed to be her older sister, and Alexander Davies, a bigamist. She left school at 13 and, and she began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master, whom she married on June 1940. She suffered some miscarriages and couldn't have children. She took up writing as a form of therapy to tackle her depression, and joined Hastings Writers' Group. Her first novel was published in 1950. She wrote almost 100 books, which sold more than 123 million copies, her novels being translated into at least 20 languages. She also wrote books under her childhood name, Katie McMullen, and under the pseudonym Catherine Marchant. After receiving an OBE in 1985, Catherine Cookson was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993. She was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997. She passed away on 11 June 1998 in North East. She remained the most borrowed author from public libraries in the UK for 17 years, losing the title only in 2002, four years after her death.
Books
The Husband
Jean McVeigh was lonely. Even her great wealth could not save her from bitterness and two attempts to end her life.
The invitation
The dwelling-place
When fifteen-year-old Cissie Brodie loses her parents to cholera, she is forced out of the family cottage and left to raise her nine siblings alone. Although desperately poor, the strong-willed Cissie determines to build a new home for the Brodies. It is only a rough stone shelter, but to Cissie and her family it is enough to keep them from the workhouse. They have friends, but charity cannot always spare them the harsh reality of their struggle and the bitterness of those who wish them harm. But can love, when it arrives, teach Cissie not to fear the world beyond the dwelling place? Set in the 1830's, The Dwelling Place is the powerful tale of a tenacious family's battle to overcome the odds.
Love Stories
This issue of Granta is dedicated to love, or more often the lack of it, the loss of it, and the search for it. It includes stories about sibling rivalry, about rediscovering parental love, and about the end of marriage and enduring friendship.
A house divided
When Matthew Wallingham returns home after being blinded in the war, he tries to save the family farm, make peace with his resentful family, and find happiness with the woman he loves.
The Upstart
A novel of class conflict in 19th century England, featuring a butler who advises a nouveau riche on how to be a gentleman. The upstart is Samuel Fairbrother, owner of a boot factory who buys a mansion, but doesn't know how to dress, eat or receive. To his consternation, his daughter falls in love with the butler. By the author of The Obsession.
Rooney
Het rustig leven van een verruwde vrijgezel verandert wanneer hij intrekt bij Ma Howlett.
The Rag Maid
When Millie's mother abandons her one late afternoon in 1854, fate brings the seven-year-old to Aggie's door - and life will never be the same for either of them.