The literary world mourns the loss of Dr. Laura Fish, a celebrated author and assistant professor of English and creative writing at Northumbria University, who passed away at the age of 60.
Her death was announced “with immense sadness” by her publisher, Fly on the Wall Press, just days before the release of her third novel, Lying Perfectly Still.
Dr. Fish’s remarkable body of work focused on amplifying underrepresented and marginalized voices, particularly those of Black women and other overlooked communities.
Her latest novel, Lying Perfectly Still, is set in Eswatini during the AIDS epidemic of the late 20th century and has been described by her publisher, Isabelle Kenyon, as “a powerful and beautiful story.”
Kenyon stated that Dr. Fish’s writing was known for its “empathy and respect” for the subjects she portrayed.
“Laura’s work has lifted under-represented and marginalized voices, with empathy and respect for their stories,” Kenyon shared, adding that she is committed to ensuring Dr. Fish’s voice continues to resonate.
Dr. Fish leaves behind an incredible literary legacy, having won numerous awards and accolades.
In 2022, she received the SI Leeds Readers’ Choice Prize and placed third in the SI Leeds Literary Prize for her previous work. Her novel Strange Music was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, and her earlier work Flight of Black Swans also earned critical acclaim. Her contributions to the literary world are widely taught in universities across the globe.
Clare Malcolm, founder and chief executive of New Writing North, reflected on the magnitude of the loss:
“Laura cared deeply about injustice and how writing, storytelling, dance, and art can give a voice to the unheard. The world has lost an important writer, we have lost a warm and wise colleague, and international literature has lost a great ambassador.”
Dr. Fish’s impact extended beyond her writing. She was a dedicated educator, holding teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of St Andrews, University of Western Cape, University of East Anglia, Newcastle University, and Northumbria University.
Dr. Fiona Shaw, a close friend and colleague at Northumbria University, spoke of Fish’s passion and her deep commitment to representing marginalized communities:
“She had a great capacity for wonder and was tenacious about those things most important to her. Above all, she had a deep love for her two boys, and I am heartbroken for her, and for them.”
As the world reflects on her contributions to literature, Dr. Laura Fish will be remembered not only for her literary achievements but also for her unwavering commitment to justice, representation, and the power of storytelling.
