Catherine Cookson ​

Catherine Cookson was a British author who is known for her historical fiction novels. She wrote more than 100 books, many of them set in the 19th century in the North-East of England, a region she knew well. Her works touch upon themes like poverty, social class, illegitimacy and women's struggle for independence.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for her historical and contemporary novels, often set in the North East of England.
• Her novels have sold more than 123 million copies worldwide.
• Many of her novels have been adapted for television.
• She wrote under her married name, but her maiden name was also used for some early publications.
• Worked as a domestic servant before her literary career took off.
• After her death, a foundation was established in her name to provide grants for creative writing scholarships.

Background ​

Cookson was born in 1906 in Tyne Dock, England. Her mother was an alcoholic and her father was a shipyard worker who died at the age of 46 due to an industrial accident. Cookson was raised in poverty and suffered numerous health problems in her youth, including chronic bronchitis and leg ulcers. She left school at the age of 13 to work as a domestic servant. Despite her hardships, she managed to save enough money to attend night school and studied English literature and history. She later became a teacher and married a schoolmaster named Tom Cookson.

Her first novel, "Kate Hannigan", was published in 1950 when she was 44 years old. Cookson went on to write more than a hundred novels, most of which were based on her own experiences and the lives of her family members. She was known for her strong female characters and subjects that dealt with sexuality, poverty, and the industrial north of England. Cookson died in 1998 at the age of 91.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Cookson's works are known for their realistic portrayal of life in North East England. Her stories are deeply emotional and character-driven. Her writing often includes themes of poverty, class struggle, and difficult relationships, which resonated with many readers. Despite the serious nature of her subject matter, her narratives always have a hopeful undertone. Cookson's work has greatly contributed to the popularity of regional literature in the United Kingdom and she remains one of the most widely read British novelists.

Notable Works ​

• The Fifteen Streets (1952)
• Katie Mulholland (1967)
• The Mallen Streak (1973)
• The Girl (1977)
• The Moth (1986)