Kay Honeyman

Mavis Cheek, born Mavis Mary Wilson in 1948, was an English novelist whose career spanned over fifteen published works, many of which were translated into multiple languages. Her debut novel, 'Pause Between Acts,' received the 1988 She/John Menzies First Novel Prize. Cheek's upbringing in London, marked by a distant father and a mother working in a factory, fostered a sense of being an outsider that she felt fueled her observational skills. Her education in church schools and subsequent placement in a secondary modern school, where she discovered a passion for drama through school plays, particularly her role as Julius Caesar, influenced her lifelong connection to theatre. After leaving school at sixteen, she worked for an art publishing company, Editions Alecto, engaging with prominent artists of the era before pursuing a degree in the Arts with distinction. She later turned to fiction writing, developing a distinctive style characterized by "beady-eyed humour," literary allusions, and sharp observations on society, often drawing comparisons to Jane Austen. Cheek was also a significant figure in literary festivals and taught creative writing, including courses in prisons, where she found parallels to her own experiences of feeling overlooked. She passed away in June 2023 at the age of 75.

Born Mavis Mary Wilson in Wimbledon in 1948, Cheek's early life was shaped by her father's absence and her mother's need to work, leading to a feeling of being unloved and an outcast. This sense of otherness, she believed, contributed to her development as an observer. Her education included church schools, and a period in a secondary modern school where she discovered a profound love for theatre through participating in school plays, even taking on the title role in 'Julius Caesar.' After leaving school at sixteen, she began her career in the art world, working for Editions Alecto, a notable art publishing house. In this role, she interacted with influential artists like David Hockney, Allen Jones, and Patrick Caulfield, gaining exposure to the contemporary art scene.

Cheek transitioned from her art world career to fiction writing, initially planning to pursue further academic study but instead dedicating herself to writing while her daughter was young. She found her voice in 'beady-eyed humour,' moving away from earlier, more serious literary attempts. Her novels are often described as 'comedies of manners,' noted for their sharp wit, literary quotations, and allusions. Critics have favorably compared her to authors like Jane Austen and Barbara Pym for her ability to humorously dissect societal relationships. Her work frequently incorporates autobiographical elements, exploring family dynamics and personal experiences, as seen in novels like 'The Sex Life of My Aunt' and 'Yesterday's Houses.' Her fifteenth novel, 'The Lovers of Pound Hill,' was published in 2011. Her writing achieved significant international reach, with her books translated into at least nine languages.

Beyond her writing, Cheek was actively involved in the literary community. She was instrumental in founding the Marlborough LitFest in 2010, aiming to celebrate well-written works rather than solely focusing on celebrity authors. She also shared her expertise by teaching creative writing for organizations like the Arvon Foundation and its Welsh affiliate, Tŷ Newydd. Her teaching experiences extended to various settings, including university courses and voluntary work with prison inmates. Cheek found that her own past experiences of feeling overlooked resonated with the men in prison, enabling her to connect with them and foster their creative expression. She also served as a Royal Literary Fund fellow at universities and as a judge for the Society of Authors' McKitterick Prize.

“feeling of being an outcast spurred her to become an observer in life”

“beady-eyed humour”

“What I see [at Erlstoke] is reflected in my own experience. Bright, overlooked, unconfident men, who are suddenly given the opportunity to learn, grow wings and dare to fail. It helps to be able to tell them that I, too, was once designated thick by a very silly [education] system. My prisoners have written some brilliant stuff, and perhaps it gives them back some self-esteem.”

“Jane Austen in modern dress.”

“one in a line of feminist, subversive women authors – with jokes.”