Honor Arundel
Honor Arundel was a Welsh author born on August 15, 1919, in North Wales. She developed her literary career during a time of significant historical events, including World War II, during which she collaborated on choral works. After marrying actor Alex McCrindle in 1952 and raising a blended family, Arundel turned to writing children's literature, motivated by a desire to provide relatable narratives for young readers. Her debut novel, *Green Street* (1965), tackled serious themes such as community struggles and family dynamics, a departure from traditional children's fare. Arundel's works often explored complex social issues, reflecting her belief that children were interested in authentic stories rather than fantastical ones. Her impactful writing earned her recognition, including the Scottish Arts Council Writing Award for *A Family Failing* (1972). While some adults viewed her themes as too mature for children, many adolescents resonated with her candid portrayals of their emotional experiences. Arundel passed away on June 8, 1973, leaving behind a legacy of literature that continues to provoke thought and discussion.
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Subject Terms
Honor Arundel
Writer
- Born: August 15, 1919
- Birthplace: North Wales
- Died: June 8, 1973
- Place of death: Hume-by-Kelso, Scotland
Biography
Honor Morfydd was born in North Wales on August 15, 1919. Her parents were Hubert Morfydd, an engineer, and Constance Sawyer Arundel. After attending local schools, she attended Somerville College at Oxford University for one year beginning in 1938. Her first published writings were essays, reviews, articles, and plays, but few of these have survived. During World War II, already using the name Honor Arundel, she collaborated with composer Ernst H. Meyer to produce several choral pieces for the Worker’s Music Association, including “Frau Kraemer,” a song for Russian radio whose lyrics began, “Frau Kraemer, why did your husband come to invade?”
Arundel married the actor Alex McCrindle in 1952, and the couple had three children, Suzanna, Catherine, and Jessica, in addition to McCrindle’s daughter from his first marriage. The family lived quietly and privately in an apartment in one of the tallest buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland, and also kept a cottage in the countryside. When the girls were in their early teens, Arundel was unable to find suitable books for them, and at the age of forty decided to try writing one herself. She was not interested in fairies and mysteries, but believed children wanted to read about real families and real social problems.
Her first children’s novel, Green Street (1965), dealt with efforts to save a run-down neighborhood from being torn down. Other plots involved inadequate schools, family conflict, first love, and young adults struggling for independence. Arundel died of cancer on June 8, 1973, in Hume-by- Kelso, Scotland. During her illness, she wrote her final book, The Blanket Word (1973), about a teenage girl whose mother is suffering a fatal illness. Arundel’s A Family Failing (1972), won the Scottish Arts Council Writing Award, one of the first children’s books to be so recognized. Many adults felt that Arundel’s books were too edgy for young audiences, but adolescents appreciated her honest and insightful depictions of their emotional problems.