Rumer Godden
Rumer Godden
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
Born as Margaret Rumer Godden on December 5, 1907, in Pankot, Punjab (now in Pakistan), she was often referred to by her middle name.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
December 5, 1907 – January 16, 1998
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
British author, novelist, children's book writer, poet, and memoirist.
Early Life and Background
-----------------------------
Rumer Godden was born into a British colonial family in India. Her early life was marked by frequent moves between England and India, which had a profound impact on her writing style and themes. She began writing stories at a young age, influenced by the Anglo-Indian community around her.
Major Accomplishments
---------------------------
Published over 60 books across various genres, including novels, children's literature, poetry, and memoirs.
Won the prestigious Nestle Smarties Book Prize in 1964 for An Episode of Sparrows, a children's novel about a young girl who befriends a group of sparrows.
Contributed to numerous anthologies and magazines throughout her career.Notable Works or Actions
-----------------------------
Some of Godden's notable works include:
The River (1948) - A semi-autobiographical novel set in India during World War II, exploring themes of love, loss, and identity.
Black Narcissus (1939) - A novel about a group of British nuns struggling to establish a convent in the Himalayas.
In This House of Brede (1969) - A novel set in an English Benedictine convent, exploring themes of spirituality, faith, and identity.
Impact and Legacy
-------------------------
Rumer Godden's writing often reflected her experiences as a British woman living in India during colonial times. Her works frequently explored the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, social class, and personal identity. She is widely regarded for her lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of settings.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
--------------------------------------------
Rumer Godden's quotes and passages are often cited for their insight into human nature, relationships, and the power of storytelling. Her writing continues to be celebrated for its beauty, depth, and ability to evoke a range of emotions in readers.
Quotes by Rumer Godden
Rumer Godden's insights on:
Funny,′ said Harriet to herself. ‘The world goes on turning, and it has all these troubles in it.
I think there are only two ways to live in this place,’ said Sister Philippa, ’you must either live like Mr Dean or like the Sunnyasi; either ignore it completely or give yourself up to it.
You have to be very strong to live close to God or a mountain, or you’ll turn a little mad.
I can’t,’ but it was acceptance now. ‘I can’t,’ whispered Dame Catherine, ’so You must.
Dolls cannot choose; they can only be chosen; they cannot ‘do’; they can only be done by; children who do not understand this often do wrong things, and then the dolls are hurt and abused and lost; and when this happens dolls cannot speak, nor do anything except be hurt and abused and lost. If you have any dolls, you should remember that.
Sometimes,′ she said, remembering that morning, ‘I write poems that are taller than I am.
I don’t expect you to understand me any more than I can understand you; but I respect you and that’s the difference between us.
And we pray in reparation, to make up for all those who won’t or can’t pray for themselves – especially anyone in grave sin. That’s why communities say the longest and most arduous Office at night – the time when most sin is committed in the world.’ ‘You mean a little Carmelite might sit up and pray for a murderer?’ ‘She has, with results,’ said Philippa.
And you needn’t worry about being useful,’ said Dame Ursula. ‘When you have become God’s in the measure He wants, He, Himself, will know how to bestow you on others.’ She was quoting St Basil. Then her face grew wistful, ‘“Unless He prefer, for thy greater advantage, to keep thee all to himself.” That does happen to a few people. Yet, paradoxically, they have the greatest influence.
Not what thou art, nor what thou hast been, beholdeth God with His merciful eyes, but what thou wouldst be.