‘Queen of the Bonkbuster’ Shirley Conran passes away at 91
- Replies 2
Shirley Conran, a name synonymous with the empowerment of women through literature and a fierce advocate for mathematics education, has passed away at the age of 91.
Her son, the renowned designer Jasper Conran, announced her passing with a touching tribute on social media, likening her departure to ‘a lark ascending’.
Her legacy, however, remains firmly grounded in the hearts and minds of those she inspired.
Born in London, Conran's early life was marked by a diverse education and a foray into the arts. She attended a finishing school in Switzerland and trained as a sculptor and painter.
Her creative journey led her to textile design, but it was her role at the Daily Mail, where she launched the newspaper's first dedicated women's section, Femail, that began to shape her influence on women's issues.
Conran's journalistic prowess saw her become the Women's Editor of the Observer and a columnist for Vanity Fair.
However, it was her battle with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) that steered her towards a new avenue of influence: authorship.
Her books, starting with the bestseller Superwoman, were not just guides on housework, parenting, and menopause; they were manifestos that challenged the traditional roles of women and encouraged them to seize control of their lives.
Her message was clear: life was too short for trivialities, a sentiment encapsulated in her famous line, 'Life's too short to stuff a mushroom.'
But it was Lace, her debut novel, that catapulted Conran to international fame.
The book, which sold over 3 million copies and was adapted into a TV miniseries, was more than just a novel; it was a treasure trove of information, cleverly disguised as a gripping narrative about four friends and their encounter with a film star.
Lace was a celebration of female sexuality and agency, and it left an indelible mark on the genre of the ‘bonkbuster’, a term coined for novels that combined high drama with steamy romance.
Beyond her literary contributions, Conran was a tireless campaigner for women's rights and work-life balance.
She founded Mothers In Management to improve conditions for working mothers and the Work-Life Balance Trust to advocate for flexible working hours.
Her efforts were recognised with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) award for services to equal opportunities.
Conran's passion for mathematics education, particularly for girls and women, was another cornerstone of her legacy.
She founded the Maths Anxiety Trust and Maths Action to combat the stigma around mathematics and to improve performance in the subject across Britain.
Her belief that financial literacy and a strong grasp of numbers were key to women's success was a message she championed until the end.
Shirley Conran's life was one of creativity, advocacy, and empowerment.
Her marriages, including her first to British designer Terence Conran, and her realisation that she was 'happier living alone' in her later years, speak to a woman who lived by her own rules.
She leaves behind her two sons, Jasper and Sebastian, and a world that has been indelibly changed by her contributions.
As we reflect on Shirley Conran's life and work, we are reminded of her indomitable spirit and her unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo.
Her novels, her campaigns, and her advocacy for education have left a lasting impact on society.
The 'Queen of the Bonkbuster' may have flown away, but her legacy will continue to ascend, inspiring generations to come.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley Conran’s family during this time. May she rest in peace.
Her son, the renowned designer Jasper Conran, announced her passing with a touching tribute on social media, likening her departure to ‘a lark ascending’.
Her legacy, however, remains firmly grounded in the hearts and minds of those she inspired.
Born in London, Conran's early life was marked by a diverse education and a foray into the arts. She attended a finishing school in Switzerland and trained as a sculptor and painter.
Her creative journey led her to textile design, but it was her role at the Daily Mail, where she launched the newspaper's first dedicated women's section, Femail, that began to shape her influence on women's issues.
Shirley Conran passed away at the age of 91. Image source: @Daily_Express/X (Twitter)
Conran's journalistic prowess saw her become the Women's Editor of the Observer and a columnist for Vanity Fair.
However, it was her battle with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) that steered her towards a new avenue of influence: authorship.
Her books, starting with the bestseller Superwoman, were not just guides on housework, parenting, and menopause; they were manifestos that challenged the traditional roles of women and encouraged them to seize control of their lives.
Her message was clear: life was too short for trivialities, a sentiment encapsulated in her famous line, 'Life's too short to stuff a mushroom.'
But it was Lace, her debut novel, that catapulted Conran to international fame.
The book, which sold over 3 million copies and was adapted into a TV miniseries, was more than just a novel; it was a treasure trove of information, cleverly disguised as a gripping narrative about four friends and their encounter with a film star.
Lace was a celebration of female sexuality and agency, and it left an indelible mark on the genre of the ‘bonkbuster’, a term coined for novels that combined high drama with steamy romance.
Shirley Conran published multiple books like Superwoman and Lace. Image source: Goodreads
Beyond her literary contributions, Conran was a tireless campaigner for women's rights and work-life balance.
She founded Mothers In Management to improve conditions for working mothers and the Work-Life Balance Trust to advocate for flexible working hours.
Her efforts were recognised with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) award for services to equal opportunities.
Conran's passion for mathematics education, particularly for girls and women, was another cornerstone of her legacy.
She founded the Maths Anxiety Trust and Maths Action to combat the stigma around mathematics and to improve performance in the subject across Britain.
Her belief that financial literacy and a strong grasp of numbers were key to women's success was a message she championed until the end.
Shirley Conran's life was one of creativity, advocacy, and empowerment.
Her marriages, including her first to British designer Terence Conran, and her realisation that she was 'happier living alone' in her later years, speak to a woman who lived by her own rules.
She leaves behind her two sons, Jasper and Sebastian, and a world that has been indelibly changed by her contributions.
As we reflect on Shirley Conran's life and work, we are reminded of her indomitable spirit and her unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo.
Her novels, her campaigns, and her advocacy for education have left a lasting impact on society.
The 'Queen of the Bonkbuster' may have flown away, but her legacy will continue to ascend, inspiring generations to come.
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
