Penelope Smith

Penelope Jane Farmer, born in 1939, is an English writer primarily recognized for her fantasy novels aimed at young readers. Her literary career began in 1960 with 'The China People,' a collection of fairy tales. One story from this collection was expanded into her first children's novel, 'The Summer Birds,' which received commendations and was recognized as an American Library Association Notable Book. This was followed by several other notable works, including sequels and standalone novels.

Farmer's personal life has been significantly shaped by her experience as a fraternal twin. This theme of twinship and its impact on identity is a recurring element in her writing, as evidenced by books like 'Two, or: The Book of Twins and Doubles' and 'Sisters: An Anthology.' She pursued higher education in history at St Anne's College, Oxford, and undertook postgraduate studies at Bedford College, University of London. Farmer has also engaged with social and political issues, visiting South Africa to discuss the election and writing about the challenges faced by the Hong Kong Chinese community in the UK. She has resided in Lanzarote and continues to be involved with her family.

The experience of being a fraternal twin has been a central aspect of Penelope Farmer's life and a significant influence on her literary work. Born shortly after her twin sister, Judith, Farmer has often cited twinship as a defining element in her understanding of self. This profound connection is directly reflected in her writing, with several of her books exploring the unique dynamics and psychological implications of being a twin. Notable examples include 'Two, or: The Book of Twins and Doubles' and 'Sisters: An Anthology,' which delve into the complexities of sibling relationships and dual identities. The theme of identity, particularly as it relates to twinship, emerged as a predominant concern during her writing process, a realization that came to her both independently and through critical commentary on her work.

Penelope Farmer's writing career commenced with 'The China People' in 1960, a collection of literary fairy tales for young audiences. The initial success of her fairy tales paved the way for her novels. 'The Summer Birds,' her first children's novel, evolved from a story intended for 'The China People' that was too lengthy for inclusion. This novel, published in 1963, garnered critical acclaim, including a Carnegie Medal commendation and recognition as an American Library Association Notable Book. Her subsequent works continued to explore imaginative narratives, often within the fantasy genre. Notable titles include the sequels 'Emma in Winter' and 'Charlotte Sometimes,' alongside other works such as 'A Castle of Bone,' 'Year King,' 'Thicker than Water,' 'Penelope: A Novel,' and 'Granny and Me.'