Distinguished novelist Jenny Diski, who was described as ‘fierce and brilliant’ by her former students at Newnham, has died age 68.
Ms Diski instilled intellectual and creative confidence in Newnham students via her creative writing workshops and her critical thinking classes.
In addition to the 18 books she published, the essayist wrote a regular column about her battle with cancer for the London Review of Books, television plays, short stories, and she was a regular contributor to The Observer.
In Gratitude, her memoir, was published just last week and it told the story of the award-winning author’s life since she was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in 2014.
Her contribution to the College was always highly valued by Fellows and students and moving tributes were paid to her on social media when the sad news of her death was announced by her husband Dr Ian Patterson.
Georgia Ruth, one former student, said on Twitter: “Very sad news about Jenny Diski. Fierce and brilliant, often think back to the writing classes in Newnham_College.”
Ms Diski’s presence was described as ‘enriching’ during her association with the College.