Such sad news, that author Frank McCourt has died. (“Frank McCourt, Pulitzer Prize Winner, dies”) He was the retired school teacher who sprang into public notice in his 60s, with the publication of his first novel, Angela’s Ashes.
He was an inspiration to me, especially since I haven’t published my own first novel yet. But he was an extra inspiration, having overcome a very difficult life growing up, to achieve the sort of success he did, both in his teaching and finally in his writing.
After that first book, he went on to write ‘Tis, Teacher Man, and Angela and the Baby Jesus.
He had recently been battling skin cancer, and just last week was admitted to hospital after a bout with meningitis. His brother Malachy prepared Frank’s fans for what was coming, warning people that it didn’t look like it would be very long. And Frank finally died in Manhattan yesterday afternoon (Sunday).
If you want a glimpse of what Frank McCourt was all about, have a look at this clip from the CBC TV program, “Hot Type,” and Evan Solomon’s interview with Mr. McCourt: ‘Tis Frank McCourt.
