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Vivien Alcock

Vivien Alcock was an author of children's books she lived from 1924 to 2003. Born in Worthing, West Sussex in England, her family moved to Devizes in Wiltshire when she was aged 10. She then studied at the Oxford School of Art.

Alcock was born in Dorking, Surrey and studied at Brighton and Hove High School and Girton College, Cambridge. She worked as a research assistant and secretary in the university's political science department in the late 1940s and early '50s before becoming a full-time writer in the mid 1960s.She was married to author Leon Garfield, with whom she adopted a daughter, named Jane after Jane Austen. They met during World War II, when Vivien was an ambulance driver. Her first book was The Haunting of Cassie Palmer which was followed by The Monster Garden and others.

Alcock was the author of over 30 novels, mostly for adolescent and young adult readers. Her novels focus on compelling themes such as murder, grief, loneliness, family dynamics, and unrequited love within a historical context, often involving children with special circumstances. Her works influenced a wide range of authors such as J.K. Rowling, Meg Rosoff, and Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Alcock created a unique style of narration which focused on presenting the reality of children's lives with a combination of imaginative plotting and attention to characterisation. She was praised by critics for her clear writing, her ability to draw the reader into her characters' perspectives, and her skilful portrayal of complex themes. Alcock's works have been translated into several languages.

Alcock's works have been acknowleged by many authors and organizations. In 1966, Alcock was the recipient of the Carnegie Medal for The Haunting of Cassie Palmer. In 1969, she received a British Council Literature award for her book The Roaring Twenties. In 1995, Alcock was the winner of the NATE (National Association for the Teaching of English) prize.

Although Alcock is best known for her writing, she was also an accomplished painter. During her lifetime, many of her works were exhibited at various galleries, which included the Royal Academy in London. Her artwork was also featured in many childhood classics.

Alcock's legacy as a writer is cemented in the annals of literature, and her works are still remembered and loved today. Her detailed plot lines, emotional depth, and thoughtful exploration of human nature draw readers in and keep them entranced. Alcock's great skill for storytelling will ensure that her books remain a part of the canon of children's literature for years to come.

Written Works By Vivien Alcock

• The Haunting of Cassie Palmer (1980)
• The Stonewalkers (1981)
• The Sylvia Game (1982)
• Ghostly Companions: A Feast of Chilling Tales (1984)
• A Change of Aunts (1984) - short story
• The Cuckoo Sister (1985)
• Travellers by Night (1985)
• Wait and See (1986)
• The Mysterious Mr. Ross (1987)
• A Kind of Thief (1988)
• The Monster Garden (1988)
• The Thing in the Woods (1989)
• The Trial of Anna Cotman (1989)
• The Dancing Bush (1991)
• Singer to the Sea God (1992)
• Othergran (1993)
• The Face at the Window (1994)
• The Wrecker (1994)
• Time Wreck (1996)
• The Silver Egg (1997)
• The Red-Eared Ghosts (1997)
• Stranger at the Window (1998)
• A Gift on a String (1998)
• Ticket to Heaven (2000)
• The Boy Who Swallowed A Ghost (2001)

Awards given to Vivien Alcock

• Horn Book Honor List 1985 for Travellers by Night
• Notable Book of the Year, American Library Association, 1985 for Travellers by Night
• Notable Book of the Year, American Library Association, 1986 for The Cuckoo Sister
• Notable Book of the Year, American Library Association, 1988 for The Monster Garden
• Best science fiction/fantasy Book, Voice of Youth Advocate, 1988 for The Monster Garden
• Horn Book Fanfare Best Books of the Year 1989 for The Monster Garden
• Horn Book Fanfare Best Books of the Year 1993 for A Kind of Thief
• Carnegie Medal shortlist for The Trial of Anna Cotman