The literary world mourns the passing of Jilly Cooper, the celebrated ‘grande dame’ of English romance novels. She passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 following a fall, as confirmed by her publisher, Curtis Brown.
Cooper’s career began as a newspaper columnist, but it was her iconic “Rutshire Chronicles” series that captivated millions of readers and cemented her legacy. These beloved books, steeped in the glittering, often scandalous, upper echelons of British society, introduced a generation to the fictional county of Rutshire and its unforgettable inhabitants.
At the heart of the series was her dashing hero, Rupert Campbell-Black – a charismatic polo player who later became a Conservative Member of Parliament, known as the most handsome and utterly irresistible man in England.
Spanning 11 books, the “Rutshire Chronicles” kicked off with the 1985 sensation “Riders.” The series vibrantly explored the lives of Rupert, his friends, and rivals, detailing their extravagant parties, complex relationships, and sometimes wild escapades. In the second installment, “Rivals,” readers met Rupert’s second wife, Taggie, a kind-hearted woman who bravely navigated her severe dyslexia. The final book, “Tackle!,” published in 2023, saw Rupert diving into the thrilling world of professional soccer.
A testament to her enduring popularity, Cooper’s Rutshire novels consistently topped bestseller lists in her home country. Her captivating universe recently found a new audience when Disney+ and Hulu launched a television series adapted from her books in October 2024, introducing her vibrant world to American viewers.