Penelope Mortimer was a British author and journalist, born on July 7, 1918, in Wales. She is best known for her novels, essays, and plays, which often explore themes of family dynamics and women's experiences. Mortimer's writing style is characterized by its wit and keen observation of social issues. Throughout her career, she published several notable works, including the novel The Pumpkin Eater, which was adapted into a film in 1964. Mortimer was also married to the writer John Mortimer, with whom she had three children. She passed away on September 29, 1999, leaving a significant impact on contemporary literature.