Emily Tarrant, daughter of bestselling author Jilly Cooper, has shared memories of her childhood and the enduring legacy of her mother’s life and work ahead of an event at the Cheltenham Literature Festival later this month.

Tarrant, who was adopted by Cooper and her husband Felix, described growing up in a household filled with love, laughter, and lively social gatherings. The family initially lived in Putney, southwest London, before moving to the countryside village of Bisley when Tarrant was around 11 years old. She recalled her upbringing there as “absolute heaven,” marked by frequent parties, numerous dogs, and a warm, joyful atmosphere. As she grew older, the family home became a hub for her own friends as well.

Cooper, renowned for her popular bonkbuster novels, maintained a close friendship with Queen Camilla, who paid tribute to her following the author’s death last year. Nearly 700 people attended Cooper’s memorial service at Southwark Cathedral, where poetry and Bible readings were featured, and champagne was served immediately afterward in accordance with Cooper’s wishes.

Despite Tarrant’s mother being a public figure, her children primarily saw her as “Granny Bisley.” Cooper’s death prompted a remarkable outpouring of tributes from prominent figures, including Sir Salman Rushdie and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Tarrant recalled the vibrant social life surrounding her family, describing memorable moments from school parties to dinner events attended by members of the British royal family.

Tarrant, who previously worked as a secretary and later as a makeup artist, emphasized the lighter side of her childhood rather than the glamour often associated with her mother’s public persona. She highlighted Cooper’s warmth, humor, and strictness on manners and kindness. The author was known for her handwritten letters, often sending cards and maintaining long-term correspondence, including with a police officer who assisted her during the 1999 Ladbroke Grove rail crash.

Cooper’s reluctance to adopt modern technology was notable; she composed her works on a typewriter to avoid potential disruptions from power outages. She was an avid reader who filled her surroundings with poetry and had a keen eye for language and slang, frequently encouraging her grandchildren to learn new words.

The television adaptation of Cooper’s novel “Rivals” has brought renewed attention to her stories and was a source of enjoyment for Tarrant and her family. While her sons were initially hesitant to watch due to the frank content, Tarrant reassured them that the portrayals were more playful and less serious than other contemporary dramas.

A year after her mother’s passing, Tarrant remains deeply affected, noting the lasting impact of her loss. She described Cooper’s death as unexpected, coming at a time when the author was experiencing a career resurgence and eagerly anticipating the second season of the TV adaptation.

Emily Tarrant will participate in a panel event celebrating Jilly Cooper’s life alongside screenwriter Helen Fielding, actress Katherine Parkinson, and others at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on October 18. The event will reflect on Cooper’s contributions to literature and her enduring influence.