Let Me Make Myself Plain. A Personal Anthology

The Woman Behind the Words

Let Me Make Myself Plain is a rare and revealing glimpse into the life and thoughts of one of Britain’s most beloved and bestselling authors — Catherine Cookson. Published in 1990 by Corgi Adult, this candid autobiographical collection showcases Cookson’s distinctive voice as she reflects on her upbringing, fame, and the deeply personal experiences that shaped her work.

Insightful, Honest, and Unflinchingly Real

Through a series of short, poignant pieces, Cookson explores her childhood in poverty, her struggles with illness, and her unexpected rise to literary fame. With warmth and wit, she also shares her thoughts on topics ranging from social injustice and religion to the creative process and the changing world around her. These reflections not only illuminate the woman behind the novels but also resonate with the emotional honesty that defines her fiction.

A Must-Read for Cookson Fans

Let Me Make Myself Plain is more than a memoir — it’s a heartfelt conversation with a writer who understood hardship and humanity better than most. For longtime fans and new readers alike, this book offers a deeper appreciation of Catherine Cookson’s legacy and the life that inspired her unforgettable stories.