Shirley Conran, the prolific British author known for her groundbreaking novel “Lace,” passed away at the age of 91 in London. Her son, Jasper Conran, confirmed that she died in a hospital from pneumonia.
Conran, a household name in England, initially set out to write a sex guide for schoolgirls but ended up creating the steamy bestseller “Lace” in 1982. The novel, which disguised themes of female autonomy, made her a millionaire and introduced the lowly goldfish into the erotic canon.
In addition to “Lace,” Conran authored “Superwoman,” a feminist primer on household management that challenged traditional gender roles. Her mantra, “Life is too short to stuff a mushroom,” became a feminist rallying cry and inspired many.
Conran’s personal life was marked by challenges, including a divorce from her husband, Terence Conran, in 1962. Despite the hardships, she dedicated herself to empowering women and promoting financial literacy and math skills.
Her legacy extends beyond her literary works, as she was made a dame in Britain in 2023 for her contributions to mathematics education. Conran is survived by her two sons, grandchildren, and siblings.
Shirley Conran’s impact on literature and feminism will be remembered for years to come, as she leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and resilience.
