Rebecca West

Rebecca West was an esteemed author, journalist, and critic whose works explored many of the major movements of her time. Best known for her fiction and non-fiction work, West was a fixture of the literary scene in London, New York, and even further afield. Her works discussed and explored many of the major themes of the 20th century: progress, feminism, imperialism, and identity. She was lauded for her intellectual rigor, her refreshing voice and wit, and her unwavering commitment to free expression.

West was born Cicily Isabel Fairfield in 1892 in London, England. She was the only child of the actor and writer Isabella Fairfield and the landowner Charles West. Her father died when she was only two and soon after Isabella went bankrupt; the young Rebecca and her mother were forced to take lodgings with a succession of family members. Feeling neglected and invalidated in her home life, Rebecca began to invest as much time and energy as she could in her education and eventually earned a scholarship to the Borough Polytechnic college.

During World War I, West volunteered in hospitals and clinics in France, where she was shocked and horrified by the waste and destruction of human life that the war had caused. This experience had a profound impact on her later works and encouraged her to critique and challenge the powers that had caused such violence.

After returning to England, West began writing for a variety of newspapers and journals, primarily focusing on social and political issues. She wrote pieces on a range of topics, from issues surrounding prostitution to critiques of the justice system. In 1921, West married Henry Maxwell Andrews, with whom she had a daughter, and the pair eventually settled in London.

In the late 1920s, West wrote her first book, The Return of the Soldier, which was a critical success. The novel captured the experiences of a soldier returning home from war, a theme which West was particularly passionate about. This book successfully established West as an important figure in the literary world and her next novel, Harriet Hume, was released to the same acclaim that The Return of the Soldier had enjoyed.

West continued to write fiercely throughout her career, covering topics such as the resolution of the Irish question, travel in the Balkans, and women’s rights. Her 1933 book, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon, in particular, was praised for its remarkable scope, breadth and detail in documenting the history and culture of Yugoslavia. In it, West demonstrates her commitment to examining the human condition and struggling with hard truths.

In the late 1930s, West began writing film reviews and worked as a scrutineer in polling booths during the wartime elections. After the war, she continued to write critically reviews and essays, looking particularly at the effects of progress and technology on everyday lives. She received many awards and recognitions during her lifetime and was even made a Dame of the British Empire in 1959.

Until the end of her life, West remained dedicated to her writing. She wrote more than two dozen books as well as countless editorials, reviews, and articles. Her influence is still seen in contemporary writers who have chosen to break down barriers and challenge accepted notions. Rebecca West’s works will forever stand as a testament to the power of articulating and presenting complex and difficult issues to the public.



Rebecca West's dedication and mastery of the English language gave her works a novel presence in the canon of English literature. Her works grappled with contemporary issues and sensitive subjects with an unflinching dedication to free expression and the intricacies of identity. Images of her life remain as vivid as her words, and her literary impact is still felt today. She made an immense contribution to the literary landscape of the 20th century and her legacy is one of insight, humour, and unparalleled integrity.