A Woman to Know: Dodie Smith
Contemplation seems to be about the only luxury that costs nothing. — Dodie Smith
(image via Jane Bown)
In 1961, when Disney's "101 Dalmatians" hit the big screen, Dodie Smith became a household name. But she'd already been writing for more than two decades, as the playwright behind theatrical productions like "Autumn Crocus" and "Dear Octopus."
But Dodie has been striving for recognition. Her first novel, "I Capture the Castle," is today a classic, beloved for its depiction of teenage perspective. But it wasn't until a friend made a joke about Dodie's own Dalmatian Pongo -- "Those spots would make a lovely fur coat!" -- that she got the idea that would make her famous around the world.
Add to your library list:
Dear Dodie: The Life of Dodie Smith (Valerie Grove)
I Capture the Castle (Dodie Smith)
The One Hundred and One Dalmatians (Dodie Smith)
Read more:
Honour for "Dalmatians" Dodie (Manchester Evening News)
Dodie Smith's classic bohemian romance hopes to capture hearts (The Guardian)
Dodie Smith looks back some more (Leaves and Pages)
Dodie Smith and the literature of faith (LA Review of Books)
Infinite guile of an innocent (The Guardian)
Forgotten Authors: Dodie Smith (The Independent)
Listen more:
Dodie Smith (BBC)
** Send your own recommendations for women to know! Reply to this newsletter with your lady and she could be featured in an upcoming edition. You can browse the archive here. **