Marie Belloc Lowndes

Marie Belloc Lowndes (5 August 1868 – 14 November 1947) was a prolific English novelist, and sister of author Hilaire Belloc. Active from 1898 until her death, she had a literary reputation for combining exciting incidents with psychological interest. Four of her works were adapted for the screen: The Chink in the Armour (1922), The Lodger (1913; adapted several times), Letty Lynton (1931), and The Story of Ivy (1927). The Lodger was also adapted into an opera in 1960.

Who was she?

Lowndes was born in Marylebone, London, to Louis Belloc (1830–1872), an English lawyer, and Bessie Parkes (1829–1925), a British feminist and writer. She was the sister of Hilaire Belloc, a prolific English writer, poet, and historian.

What was her principles?

Lowndes was a devout Catholic. She was also a strong advocate for women's rights.

What was she famous for?

Lowndes was famous for her psychological thrillers, which often featured themes of suspense, mystery, and horror. Her most famous work is the novel The Lodger (1913), which tells the story of a young woman who believes that her lodger is Jack the Ripper.

Other notable works:

• The Chink in the Armour (1922): A psychological thriller about a married woman who becomes involved in an affair with a younger man.
• Letty Lynton (1931): A mystery novel about a young woman who is accused of murder.
• The Story of Ivy (1927): A psychological thriller about a young woman who is haunted by the ghost of her dead lover.
• The Merry-Go-Round (1933): A psychological thriller about a group of people who are trapped in a fairground that is haunted by the ghosts of the people who have died there.

Her philosophy?

Lowndes's philosophy was based on the belief in the power of the human mind. She was fascinated by the dark side of human nature, and she often explored themes of madness, obsession, and violence in her work.

When did she die & how is she remembered?

Lowndes died in Eversley Cross, Hampshire, England, on 14 November 1947, at the age of 79. She is remembered as a pioneer of the psychological thriller genre. Her work has been praised for its suspenseful plots, complex characters, and insights into the human psyche.

Lowndes is a role model for any writer who wants to explore the darker side of human nature. She showed that it is possible to write about disturbing subjects in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.