Although she was well-known for writing comedic social commentary, Sue Townsend also produced dramatic works such as Ghost Children and The Ghost of Daniel Lambert.
Her most famous creation, teenage diarist Adrian Mole, was a huge success – she wrote nine installments, the first being The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾, which was published in 1982. The last, Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years, was published in 2009.
Celebrities who knew Sue Townsend and admired her work have been quick to mark her passing.
JK Rowling took to Twitter to write “So sad to hear about Sue Townsend. She gave me so many laughs.”
“Greatly upset to hear that Sue Townsend has died. One of the warmest, funniest and wisest people I ever met,” tweeted Stephen Mangan.
Robin Ince tweeted: “I remember 1st time I read Adrian Mole, 12 yrs old on holiday in Devon.The first book that made me laugh that loudly. Thanks Sue Townsend.”
Ms Townsend leaves behind her husband and four children.
Image credit: Getty
