I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of The Observer’s brilliant journalist, Rachel Cooke. She was a writer of rare talent, whose voice was sharp, insightful, and always extraordinary. For me, and for many others, her “Graphic Novel of the Month” column was a highlight of the paper. Rachel was a true pioneer in championing the graphic novel, bringing the form to a wider audience and giving it the recognition it so richly deserves. Gone far too soon, her absence will be profoundly felt.
I will never forget the moment she chose my debut graphic novel, Anfield Road, as her selection last year. At the time, I was a complete unknown in the field, unsure how to get anyone to notice my work. I sent Rachel a copy, but it was lost in the post. When she called to say it hadn’t arrived, I dropped another copy through her door. A little while later, she rang again—this time with words that changed everything: “Buy The Observer at the weekend.”
That Saturday, I was launching the book at Forbidden Planet Liverpool. My girlfriend Lorraine and I dashed to the newsagent, bought a copy, and opened the paper. There it was: Anfield Road, named Graphic Novel of the Month. Rachel’s words stopped me in my tracks. She wrote: “From Liverpool with love… his affection for the city, even in the bleakest of times, can be felt on every page.” Standing in the street, I felt tears welling up. Her review gave me something priceless: a chance to reconnect with my hometown, to come full circle. It was one of the greatest moments of my life, and I will always be grateful to Rachel for giving my book, and me, that chance.
Rachel’s writing over the past 25 years spanned countless subjects, always with brilliance and clarity. She was fearless, generous, and deeply committed to her craft. Her legacy will live on in the many readers she inspired and the writers she championed.
My thoughts are with Anthony Quinn and her family at this difficult time. Tim Adams has written a wonderful obituary, but for me, Rachel’s greatest legacy is the way she touched lives—mine included—with her words. Thank you, Rachel.
