Jilly Cooper Dies at 88, Leaves Legacy of Iconic Bonkbuster Novels

Jilly Cooper, the beloved British author who popularized the "bonkbuster" genre with her racy novels filled with sex, snobbery, and fun, passed away at age 88. Her Rutshire Chronicles, beginning with "Riders," became iconic for their vivid depiction of British countryside class hierarchies and open, humorous discussions of sex, influencing generations of readers. Cooper's work, including the 2024 Disney+ adaptation "Rivals," brought her stories and characters, such as the dashing Rupert Campbell-Black, to new audiences, blending love, rivalry, and British aristocratic life. Despite personal challenges, including her husband Leo Cooper's affair, she remained forgiving and continued to celebrate love and escapism in her writing. Cooper's legacy includes selling 11 million copies in the UK alone and inspiring affection from fans and public figures alike, with former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak among them. Her family mourns her unexpected death and celebrates her infectious smile and contribution to literature and television.