CATHERINE COOKSON The Biography

Catherine Cookson’s personal life story will capture the hearts of listeners. The intrigue of this biography will be to identify portions of her life as they were used in the novels she penned in which strong women survive their circumstances. Elizabeth Henry’s mature, aristocratic voice is well paced and adds grace and character to the telling of this remarkable life. Cookson’s illegitimacy; her dependant and alcoholic mother; and an early life filled with fears, hurts, and insecurities are all used to showcase her rise from poverty and humiliation to riches and respectability. Henry’s quotes from Cookson’s novels are passionate and expressive, and will surely stir more interest in all of her writings. The CD recording is helpfully bookmarked every five minutes for convenience. F.L.F. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 03]