Nerys Dee

Susan Elizabeth Arnold, born December 15, 1944, is an English author primarily recognized for her children's fiction. Her most famous works are a trilogy of novels situated in the New Forest of Southern England, featuring Romany characters. Arnold's writing career began after extensive work as a school science technician and quality control manager. Her first novel, 'The Parsley Parcel,' was initially conceived for adult readers but was later adapted for children. This book, set among Gypsies in the New Forest, received critical acclaim, including a shortlisting for the Beefeater (Whitbread) Children's Book Award in 1995. It was later adapted into a seven-part ITV series titled 'Gypsy Girl.'

Arnold's approach to character naming in 'The Parsley Parcel' reveals a deep interest in Romani culture, where a child traditionally has three names: a formal name, a nickname, and a secret name. She named her protagonist Freya, after the Norse goddess, linking it to the significance of Good Friday in the novel's magical elements. The character's nickname, Chime, denoted her as a 'Chime-Child' born with magical abilities. Arnold also authored other chapter books, including 'The Gold-Spectre' and 'Spin of the Sunwheel,' the latter being nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her work has also supported charitable causes through contributions to anthologies.

Elizabeth Arnold's journey into writing began after a substantial career in science as a technician and quality control manager. Her initial foray into authorship was with 'The Parsley Parcel,' a novel born from a profound appreciation for folklore. Although initially intended for an adult audience, the book found its audience in children's literature. Set against the backdrop of the New Forest and its Romany communities, the novel explores themes that resonated widely, leading to its shortlisting for a prestigious children's book award. The narrative's engagement with cultural traditions and subtle magical elements contributed to its success and subsequent adaptation for television.

The 'Gypsy Girl' or Freya Trilogy, comprising 'The Parsley Parcel,' 'Gold and Silver Water,' and 'A Riot of Red Ribbon,' centers on Freya, a Romany girl possessing benign magical abilities. Arnold's meticulous approach to character development is evident in her explanation of Freya's names, reflecting ancient Romani customs. The protagonist's formal name, Freya, was chosen for its connection to the goddess and its significance to the timing of magical events in the story, particularly those occurring on Good Friday. Freya's nickname, Chime, highlights her status as a 'Chime-Child' endowed with special enchantments. The inclusion of a secret name, known only to mother and child, adds a layer of intimacy and mystery to the character's identity, underscoring the cultural depth Arnold sought to portray.

Beyond the Freya Trilogy, Elizabeth Arnold has contributed a diverse range of works to children's literature. Her other notable books include 'The Gold-Spectre' and 'Spin of the Sunwheel,' a young adult fantasy novel that garnered a nomination for the Carnegie Medal. For younger readers, she penned storybooks such as 'Scraggy Flies High,' 'Thief in the Garden,' and 'The Triple Trouble Gang.' Arnold has also demonstrated a commitment to charitable endeavors through her writing. She contributed stories to anthologies aimed at raising funds for tsunami victims and the Children's Hospices UK, and she also edited a collection of stories written by children, further showcasing her engagement with the literary community and social causes.

“Freya was a Romany child, and in ancient Romany culture a child had three names. A formal name; a pet or nickname, and a secret name. The secret name is whispered by a mother to her child only twice; at the moment of birth and once more when the child is old enough to remember.... I chose Freya as my heroine's formal name. Freya, named after the goddess Freya born on Friday. This was important because in The Parsley Parcel, special magic would be worked on Good Friday. Her pet name was Chime. Why? Because she was a Chime-Child, a gypsy girl born with special powers to work special enchantments. Her secret name? It's a secret, of course, that she and I will share forever.”