The Prodigal Father

Katharine Mary Saunders (1960-2023) was an English author, actress, and journalist who began her career acting in shows like Only Fools and Horses before transitioning to writing, winning the Betty Trask Award for her debut novel The Prodigal Father (1986). She authored numerous novels and children's books, with notable works including the Costa Children's Book Award-winning Five Children on the Western Front (2014), The Secrets of Wishtide (2016), and The Land of Neverendings (2017), the latter two earning Carnegie Medal shortlistings. Despite battling multiple sclerosis and personal tragedies, she continued writing until her death from cancer.