Mary Norton
Mary Norton: A Prolific Author of Children's Literature
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Mary Norton was born on December 10, 1903, in London, England. She is commonly known as Mary Norton.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: December 10, 1903
Died: January 29, 1992
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Norton was a British author of children's literature, best known for her works in the fantasy genre.
Early Life and Background
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Mary Norton grew up in London during World War I. Her early life was marked by poverty and hardship, which had a profound impact on her writing style and perspective. She began writing at an early age, publishing her first novel, _The West Indies_, in 1927.
Norton's writing career spanned over six decades, with her work often focusing on themes of family, friendship, and the struggles of growing up. Her experiences during World War I and II heavily influenced her writing, adding depth and authenticity to her stories.
Major Accomplishments
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Mary Norton's most notable accomplishment is undoubtedly her iconic novel _The Borrowers_, published in 1952. The book tells the story of a family of tiny people living beneath the floorboards of an English country house, struggling to survive while avoiding detection by their human neighbors.
_The Borrowers_ was a groundbreaking work that captivated readers worldwide with its imaginative and suspenseful storytelling. It has since become a classic in children's literature, widely regarded for its unique blend of fantasy and realism.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to _The Borrowers_, Norton wrote several other notable works, including:
Bedknobs and Broomsticks: A novel published in 1957 that explores the magical world of children's imagination.
East by Northwest: A collection of short stories, published in 1960, that showcase her versatility as a writer.
Impact and Legacy
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Mary Norton's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. Her unique blend of fantasy and realism has inspired generations of readers and writers alike. Her work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with translations into numerous languages and adaptations for film and television.
Norton's writing style, characterized by her vivid descriptions and relatable characters, has made her one of the most beloved authors in children's literature. Her stories often explore themes of family, friendship, and resilience, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Mary Norton is widely quoted or remembered for her imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and captivating plots. Her work has been praised by critics and readers alike for its:
Unique blend of fantasy and realism
Vivid descriptions that transport readers to new worlds
* Relatable characters that resonate with audiences worldwide
Norton's writing continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers, cementing her place as one of the most beloved authors in children's literature.
Quotes by Mary Norton
In this life,” he went on, “you got to see what is, as you might say, and then face up to what you wish there wasn’t.
Homily would renew it at intervals when it became available upstairs, but since Aunt Sophy.
Keep your warm hearts, your gentleness, and your courage. These will do just as well as magic.
And what if it were only a story?” said Mrs. May quickly, “so long as it was a good story? Keep your sense of wonder, child, and don’t be so literal. Anything we haven’t experienced for ourselves sounds like a story. All we can ever do is sift the evidence.
She learned a lot and some of the things she learned were hard to accept. She was made to realize once and for all that this earth on which they lived turning about in space did not revolve, as she had believed, for the sake of little people. “Nor for big people either,” she reminded the boy when she saw his secret smile.
Stories never really end. They can go on and on and on. It’s just that sometimes, at a certain point, one stops telling them.
The child is right," she announced firmly. Arrietty's eyes grew big. "Oh, no-" she began. It shocked her to be right. Parents were right, not children. Children could say anything, Arrietty knew, and enjoy saying it-knowing always they were safe and wrong.