Rumer Godden

Louise Harrington (Cardiff University)
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One of the most widely-read of authors of the twentieth-century, Rumer Godden was always more of a popular success than a critical one, although her skills as a storyteller have always been much admired. In recent years, however, increasing attention is being paid to her vivid portrayals, in novels such as

Black Narcissus

(1939),

Breakfast with the Nikolides

(1942),

The River

(1946) and

Kingfishers Catch Fire

(1953), of the last years of British rule in India. Writings such as these betray a passionate but ambivalent relationship with India and with the Indian people.

Margaret Rumer (Peggie) Godden was born in Eastbourne on 10 December 1907, the second of four daughters. Her father, Arthur Leigh Godden, worked as an agent for a shipping company based in Calcutta, and the family returned

1586 words

Citation: Harrington, Louise. "Rumer Godden". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 April 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=1774, accessed 19 March 2024.]

1774 Rumer Godden 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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