‘A sparkle that extends beyond fiction’: readers on what Jilly Cooper meant to them

<p>Fans pay tribute to the author’s escapist tales, her real-life largesse and her unexpected passions</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/oct/06/dame-jilly-cooper-obituary">Dame Jilly Cooper obituary</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/oct/06/jilly-cooper-was-the-absolute-queen-writers-pay-tribute-to-the-beloved-author">‘She was the absolute queen’: writers pay tribute to the beloved author</a></p></li></ul><p>I was the manager of Books Etc in Oxford Street, where Jilly Cooper’s novel Polo was launched in 1991, with polo-dressed senior publishers posing in the window. Jilly visited our shop several times for signings and she was our favourite author visitor. She always spoke to all the staff, brought a gift for staff with her and always wrote us a note of thanks afterwards. Lovely with customers and just an absolute delight. <strong>Judith Denwood, retired bookseller, Hastings </strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/oct/08/readers-remember-jilly-cooper-sunny-warmth-and-kindness">Continue reading...</a>