Devendra Kumar
Lynne Reid Banks, a celebrated British author, has left a lasting mark on the literary world. At the age of 94, she passed away due to cancer, surrounded by her loved ones. Her agent, James Wills, revealed the news, and her son, Gillon Stephenson, attested to the immense impact her life’s work has had. Gillon noted that his family receives daily messages from individuals whose lives his mother has touched. Born in Barnes, West London, in 1929, Lynne Reid Banks had an eventful early life, marked by adventure and resilience. She was evacuated to Saskatoon in Canada during World War II, where she spent five years before returning to England.
During this time, she transitioned from being a secretary and freelance journalist to becoming one of the first two female news reporters on British television. As a journalist, Lynne had the privilege of interviewing numerous celebrities, including the legendary Charlie Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn, and Agatha Christie. Her extensive experience in the field eventually led her to focus on writing, and in her downtime, she penned the novel “The L-Shaped Room.” The book’s unexpected success was catapulted by a film adaptation, earning actress Leslie Caron an Oscar nomination, as well as a Bafta and Golden Globe award.
In 1962, Lynne relocated to Israel after meeting sculptor Chaim Stephenson, whom she later married and had three sons with. A few years later, in 1971, she returned to England and stumbled upon the inspiration for “The Indian In The Cupboard,” a children’s book about a boy whose toy has magically come to life. Released in 1980, the book was adapted into a film in 1995, starring Steve Coogan and Richard Jenkins. Throughout her illustrious career, Lynne wrote numerous children’s stories, some of which include “The Red Red Dragon,” “Tiger Tiger,” “Angela And Diabola,” and “The Spice Rack.”
Her remarkable body of work has left an enduring legacy, as evidenced by the continued impact she has on readers and their families. As her son aptly put it, Lynne leaves behind a “massive legacy of wonderful work.” The impact of her writing is evident in the daily messages her family receives from individuals whose lives she has touched. The continued influence of her writing serves as a testament to her enduring legacy, and her contribution to the world of literature will not be forgotten.