Penelope Lively
Biography of Penelope Lively
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Penelope Margaret Lively
Common Aliases: Penelope Lively
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: March 17, 1933
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British
Profession(s): Novelist, Short Story Writer, Children's Author
Early Life and Background
Penelope Margaret Lively was born on March 17, 1933, in Cairo, Egypt. Her early years were spent in the vibrant and culturally rich environment of the Middle East, which would later influence her writing. Lively's childhood was marked by the backdrop of World War II, a period that instilled in her a deep understanding of history and its impact on personal lives. At the age of 12, she moved to England, where she attended boarding school. Her academic journey continued at St Anne's College, Oxford, where she studied Modern History. This academic background provided her with a profound appreciation for the past, a theme that frequently appears in her literary works.
Major Accomplishments
Penelope Lively's literary career is distinguished by numerous accolades and achievements. She is a celebrated author who has made significant contributions to both adult and children's literature. Lively's work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Booker Prize for her novel "Moon Tiger" in 1987. Her ability to weave intricate narratives that explore the complexities of time, memory, and history has earned her a place among the most respected writers of her generation. In addition to the Booker Prize, Lively has been shortlisted for the award multiple times, further cementing her status as a literary luminary.
Notable Works or Actions
Penelope Lively's bibliography is extensive and varied, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Among her most notable works is "Moon Tiger," a novel that delves into the life of a woman reflecting on her past while on her deathbed. This book is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and profound exploration of memory and history. Another significant work is "The Road to Lichfield," which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and examines the interplay between personal and historical narratives. Lively's children's books, such as "The Ghost of Thomas Kempe," which won the Carnegie Medal, demonstrate her ability to engage younger audiences with imaginative storytelling.
Impact and Legacy
Penelope Lively's impact on literature is profound and enduring. Her exploration of themes such as memory, history, and the passage of time resonates with readers across generations. Lively's work often challenges readers to consider the ways in which personal and historical narratives intersect, prompting reflection on the nature of identity and the human experience. Her contributions to children's literature have also left a lasting legacy, inspiring young readers to explore the world through the lens of imagination and curiosity. Lively's influence extends beyond her written works, as she has been an active participant in literary circles and a vocal advocate for the importance of literature in society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Penelope Lively is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful observations on the human condition and her ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and elegance. Her writing often features poignant reflections on time, memory, and the interconnectedness of personal and historical narratives. Lively's quotes resonate with readers because they capture universal truths and offer profound insights into the nature of life and identity. Her ability to distill complex themes into accessible and thought-provoking prose ensures that her words continue to inspire and provoke thought long after they are read. As a result, Penelope Lively remains a cherished figure in the literary world, celebrated for her contributions to both adult and children's literature.
Quotes by Penelope Lively
Penelope Lively's insights on:
I have had to empty two family homes during the last few years - first, the house that had been my grandmother's since 1923, and then my own country home, which we had lived in for over twenty years.
I have long been interested in landscape history, and when younger and more robust I used to do much tramping of the English landscape in search of ancient field systems, drove roads, indications of prehistoric settlement.
There’s a preoccupation with memory and the operation of memory and a rather rapacious interest in history.
I can walk about London and see a society that seems an absolutely revolutionary change from the 1950s, that seems completely and utterly different, and then I can pick up on something where you suddenly see that it’s not.
In the frozen stone of the cathedrals of Europe there co-exist the Apostles, Christ and Mary, lambs, fish, gryphons, dragons, sea-serpents and the faces of men with leaves for hair. I approve of that liberality of mind.
I’m not an historian and I’m not wanting to write about how I perceive the social change over the century as a historian, but as somebody who’s walked through it and whose life has been dictated by it too, as all our lives are.
A stone has been cast into the reliable immutable pond of the past, and as the ripples subside everything appears different. The reflections are quite other; everything has swung and shattered, it is all beyond recovery.
I can remember the lush spring excitement of language in childhood. Sitting in church, rolling it around my mouth like marbles – tabernacle and pharisee and parable, tresspass and Babylon and covenant.