Date of Birth: June 24, 1912
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: December 30, 2002
Biography
Mary Wesley, born Mary Aline Mynors Farmar on June 24, 1912, in Englefield Green, Surrey, England, was an acclaimed British novelist known for her sharp wit, keen social observations, and candid explorations of human relationships. She began her literary career relatively late in life, publishing her first novel at the age of 70. Wesley’s works often depicted the complexities of love, loss, and societal norms, earning her a devoted readership and critical acclaim. Wesley grew up in a privileged family but had a tumultuous childhood marked by her parents’ troubled marriage. She attended several schools, including the prestigious St. James’s School in Malvern. During World War II, Wesley worked for the War Office and later for the intelligence agency MI5, experiences that would later permeate her writing. Her first novel, “Jumping the Queue,” was published in 1983, followed by a string of successful books, including “The Camomile Lawn” (1984), which was adapted into a popular television series. Wesley’s novels are notable for their strong, unconventional female characters and their exploration of themes such as sexuality, rebellion, and the constraints of societal expectations. Mary Wesley passed away on December 30, 2002, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of provocative and beloved literary works.
5 Interesting Facts about Mary Wesley
1. Wesley published her first novel at the age of 70.
2. She worked for the British intelligence agency MI5 during World War II.
3. Her novel “The Camomile Lawn” was adapted into a successful television series.
4. Wesley’s works often featured strong, unconventional female protagonists.
5. She was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1995 for her contributions to literature.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Wesley
1. “I write for the pleasure of writing. It’s the only thing that makes my life bearable.”
2. “The essence of life is to be true to oneself.”
3. “If you spend your life saying ‘if,’ you will never achieve anything.”
4. “Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.”
5. “I think one should be able to look back at one’s life and see it as a whole, as a work of art.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Mary Wesley’s highest net worth was estimated to be around £3 million at the peak of her career.
Children
Mary Wesley had three children: Roger Swinfen Eady, Toby Eady, and William Eady.
Relevant Links
1. [Mary Wesley Biography – The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2002/dec/31/fiction
2. [Mary Wesley – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Wesley
3. [The Camomile Lawn – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101053/
5. [Mary Wesley’s Gravesite – Find A Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6868784/mary-wesley
