Susan Cooper
Biography
Susan Cooper is a distinguished British-American author, best known for her high fantasy series 'The Dark Is Rising'. Born in Burnham, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1935, Cooper received her education at Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied English. She worked as a journalist for The Sunday Times under Ian Fleming before moving to the United States in the 1960s. Her literary career spans several genres, including children's literature, fantasy, and plays. 'The Dark Is Rising' sequence, blending Arthurian legend, Celtic folklore, and Christian mythology, earned her widespread critical acclaim, including the Newbery Medal. Her work often explores the conflict between good and evil, the power of ancient magic, and the importance of choice and courage. She continues to write and reside in the U.S.
Selected Thoughts
«The dark is rising. The dark is rising. The Dark is rising.»
«No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.»
«The strongest magic is the magic of the human heart, and it is in every one of us.»
Writing Style
Susan Cooper's writing style is characterized by its lyrical and evocative prose, rich in imagery and atmosphere. She masterfully weaves together intricate plots, often blending myth, legend, and historical elements with contemporary settings. Her narratives are deeply atmospheric, building suspense and a sense of ancient power. She employs strong character development, particularly in her young protagonists, and explores complex moral dilemmas. Her dialogue is often poetic yet authentic, contributing to the timeless quality of her stories, particularly in the fantasy genre.