Inside the World of Jilly Cooper
Stepping into Jilly Cooper’s charming abode nestled in the English countryside feels akin to entering the pages of one of her beloved novels. The living room, alive with personality, boasts walls adorned with an eclectic mix of photographs and expansive bookshelves, while various ceramic figurines of cats, dogs, and horses peek from every surface. Scattered throughout the room are cherished images of family members alongside portraits of notable figures, including members of the royal family. From the large windows, one can gaze out upon the breathtaking landscape of rolling hills that define the picturesque English countryside.
It was from this enchanting 14th-century residence, and using an old-fashioned manual typewriter, that Cooper, now 87, crafted the iconic “Rutshire Chronicles.” This celebrated series comprises 11 romance novels featuring the dashing yet troubled horse-riding hero, Rupert Campbell-Black. The novels have captivated readers across Britain, selling an impressive 12 million copies and influencing a generation’s perceptions of romance, sexuality, and the upper echelons of society during the vibrant ’80s and ’90s.
Affectionately dubbed “the queen of the bonkbuster,” an amusing blend of “blockbuster” and “bonking” — a cheeky British term for intimate encounters — Cooper has become synonymous with tantalizing romance and a dash of well-heeled mischief. However, her name carries less weight across the Atlantic in the United States.
In an effort to introduce her work to a broader audience, Disney+ and Hulu are set to premiere “Rivals,” an eight-part series inspired by Cooper’s 1988 novel of the same name within the “Rutshire Chronicles,” on Friday.
“I’m absolutely thrilled about this adaptation, as this book holds a special place in my heart,” Cooper shared during a recent interview. “I believe it’s my favorite among the collection.” To witness her beloved story transformed into a series is, she admits, a “wonderful experience,” especially at this stage in her life. “Eighty-seven is quite advanced,” she quipped. “Just how many dog years is that?”
