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Catherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, whom she believed to be her older sister. She began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master. Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular of contemporary women novelists. After receiving an OBE in 1985, Catherine Cookson was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993. She was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997. For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne. She died shortly before her ninety-second birthday, in June 1998.
Catherine Cookson's millions of fans will be delighted at the publication of one last title from their idol but at the same time saddened that this posthumous novel marks the end of the long career which has delighted them for so long. They certainly won't be disappointed by this gripping book. Beginning in 1955 before flashing back to the early years of the 20th century, this is the story of Irene Baindor, who turns up at her solicitor's 26 years after she disappeared, still wearing the coat and hat she was last seen in. We learn that Irene was, in her youth, an accomplished singer who became the second wife of the wealthy, sadistic Edward Baindor. Having given her husband the son he craved, Irene was so viciously attacked by Edward that she became mute and disappeared without trace. The book traces Irene's life as a vagrant before she is 'adopted' by Bella Morgan, a larger-than-life stallholder. Finally, a strange train of events leads to the coincidence which brings Irene back after so long. Of course Catherine Cookson is a master storyteller and the book is written in her familiar, meticulously detailed style. Period detail is accurately recreated and characters such as the tragic Irene and strong, compassionate Bella are well rounded and convincing. Particularly moving is Cookson's dedication, a long introduction explaining how she came to write The Silent Lady during her final illness. Having believed that she had written her last book, she found the entire story came to her fully formed, like a gift. It is a gift that will be much appreciated by her readers. (Kirkus UK)
