Penelope Fitzgerald Quotes

A collection of quotes by Penelope Fitzgerald.

Penelope Fitzgerald was a highly esteemed English novelist, poet, and biographer. She was born on December 17, 1916, in Lincoln, England. Fitzgerald hailed from an intellectual family, with her father being the editor of Punch magazine.

Although her writing career did not take off until later in life, Fitzgerald's talents were evident from the start. After winning a writing competition at the age of 9, she continued to exhibit a profound love for literature and language. However, she embarked on various other paths before fully immersing herself in writing. Fitzgerald worked as a teacher, a clerk at the BBC, and even ran a bookshop.

In 1975, Fitzgerald published her first book, a biography titled "The Knox Brothers," which explored the lives of her father and his three siblings. This work catapulted her into the literary world, and she went on to write numerous novels, including "The Bookshop," which won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1978.

Fitzgerald's writing displayed exceptional wit, intelligence, and a keen eye for human nature. Her novels often delved into historical periods and biographical sketches, all characterized by her economical and precise style. She continued to write and excel in her craft throughout her life, with her last novel, "The Blue Flower," gaining critical acclaim in 1995.

Penelope Fitzgerald passed away at the age of 83 on April 28, 2000, leaving behind a legacy of insightful and beautifully crafted literary works. Her contributions to the literary world continue to be celebrated and revered by readers and critics alike.