Jacqueline Wilson has long been a cherished name in British children’s literature, renowned for her sensitive and nuanced portrayals of childhood struggles. Over the decades, the former Children’s Laureate has earned accolades and affection from readers young and old. Yet, in 2020, Wilson stepped into a new light when she revealed that she was in a long-term relationship with a woman, earning the title of “gay icon” in a way she never anticipated.
Now, at 78, Wilson is navigating this new aspect of her identity with the same grace and thoughtfulness she brings to her writing. “I’m very touched to be thought of as a gay icon,” Wilson told the BBC. “It’s an absolute delight.” Although she admits she can’t quite picture herself “rampaging around with a rainbow flag,” she supports those who do and values the progress made in LGBT visibility.
From Children’s Books to Adult Novels
Wilson’s latest literary endeavor marks a significant departure from her well-trodden path of children’s fiction. Her new book, “Think Again”, is her first adult novel and a sequel to her popular Girls series. It follows Ellie Allard and her friends, Nadine and Magda, as they confront their lives and relationships at the age of 40.
This book is particularly noteworthy for its exploration of same-sex relationships. Wilson acknowledges that the idea of writing an adult novel about these themes has been brewing for years, sparked by her daughter’s curiosity about the futures of her childhood characters. “In real time, the girls would be hitting 40,” Wilson reflects. “That’s a significant age where you have to make big decisions, and, for some people, life doesn’t look like what you dreamt of as a teenager.”
A Realistic Look at Life’s Ups and Downs
“Think Again” eschews the fairy-tale endings often found in children’s literature, opting instead for a portrayal of life’s complexities and disappointments. Ellie and her friends find themselves grappling with the reality that their lives have not unfolded as they had hoped. “The girls don’t have their happy-ever-after ending,” Wilson explains. “But I didn’t want to write something that is all grim because there are things in their lives that are great and fun. I just wanted it to be realistic.”
Wilson’s approach to storytelling has always been grounded in reality, a trait that resonates with readers who appreciate her honest depiction of difficult subjects. In “Think Again”, she explores themes of choice and the unconventional paths that women might take in their middle years. “Nowadays many teenagers are quite depressed and anxious,” Wilson notes, “but they also have big ideas and say, ‘I want to be this’ or ‘I’m going to do that’. This story shows that you need to have a plan B or C.”
LGBT Representation and Personal Reflections
Wilson’s foray into LGBT themes is a relatively recent development. Her 2020 novel “Love Frankie” introduced a gay heroine, a move that, while welcomed by many, was met with some surprise given her previous works. “I could have written a gay character in my earlier work,” Wilson admits. “But there would have been far more ‘oh my gosh Jacqueline has written about someone who is gay’.” Today, she feels that writing about diverse sexualities is more normalized and less sensationalized.
In “Think Again”, Ellie’s journey of falling in love with a woman mirrors Wilson’s own experiences, though Wilson insists that any similarities are purely coincidental. “I was just being imaginative when I wrote the book,” she says. She also emphasizes a broader perspective on sexuality, advocating for a more fluid understanding beyond the traditional binary of straight or gay.
A Legacy of Empathy and Understanding
Wilson’s books have always aimed to comfort and educate young readers, particularly those who feel marginalized or misunderstood. Despite occasional controversy over the mature themes in her work, Wilson stands by her decision to address complex issues. “People say there is sex and drugs in my books, but there isn’t any,” she clarifies. “I want to show what life is like for children who are a bit outside the system and feel they don’t belong.”
Reflecting on her own childhood, Wilson recalls feeling disconnected from the idealized representations of family life in children’s literature. “I didn’t have that happy a life as a child,” she shares. “I was brought up on a council estate, and I did used to think that the children in books were nothing like me and my friends.”
Wilson’s commitment to portraying the realities of life, coupled with her recent personal revelations and literary ventures, marks a new chapter in her storied career. As she continues to explore and address themes of identity and relationships, both through her characters and her own life, Jacqueline Wilson remains a beacon of empathy and a voice for those navigating the complexities of modern existence.
