Jane Gardam

Date of Birth: July 11, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Jane Gardam is a celebrated British novelist and short story writer, known for her keen insights into human nature and her deft storytelling abilities. Born on July 11, 1928, in Coatham, North Yorkshire, England, Gardam has carved out a unique niche in the literary world with her ability to craft rich, textured narratives that span multiple genres and themes. Gardam’s early life was marked by a strong academic inclination, which led her to study English at Bedford College, University of London. After graduating, she worked in various capacities, including as a journalist and editor, before turning her full attention to writing fiction. Her debut novel, “A Long Way from Verona,” published in 1971, was highly acclaimed and marked the beginning of a prolific career. Gardam is perhaps best known for her “Old Filth” trilogy, which explores the life of a retired judge and delves deeply into themes of memory, loss, and identity. The trilogy includes “Old Filth” (2004), “The Man in the Wooden Hat” (2009), and “Last Friends” (2013). Gardam has won numerous awards, including the Whitbread Award for Best Novel twice, for “The Hollow Land” (1981) and “Queen of the Tambourine” (1991). Her works have been translated into multiple languages, earning her an international readership. Despite her success, Gardam remains a modest figure, often emphasizing the importance of storytelling over personal fame.

5 Interesting Facts about Jane Gardam

1. Jane Gardam is the only writer to have won the Whitbread Award for Best Novel twice.

2. Her “Old Filth” trilogy has been optioned for a television series, bringing her work to a broader audience.

3. Gardam has also written children’s literature, including the beloved “Bilgewater” (1976).

4. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to literature.

5. Gardam’s works often explore themes of British colonialism, reflecting her own family’s history in the British Raj.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jane Gardam

1. “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”

2. “Old age is an island surrounded by death. But death is the ocean and the island is life.”

3. “Memory is like a dog that lies down where it pleases.”

4. “We all have our pasts, and we all have our secrets.”

5. “I think I’m quite a cheerful person in life, but my books have a tendency to be melancholy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Jane Gardam is estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Jane Gardam is married to David Gardam QC, with whom she has three children. Her family has largely stayed out of the public eye, maintaining a private life away from her literary career.