Susan Hilary Spurling ( Forrest; born 25 December 1940) is a British writer, known for her work as a journalist and biographer.

Early life and education

Born in Stockport, Cheshire, to circuit judge Gilbert Alexander Forrest (1912–1977) and teacher Emily Maureen, daughter of Joseph Armstrong, of Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, Spurling was educated at Clifton High School, an independent school in Bristol, South-West England, and then at Somerville College, Oxford.

Career

Spurling won the Whitbread Prize for the second volume of her biography of Henri Matisse in January 2006. Burying The Bones: Pearl Buck in China was published in March 2010.

Personal life

In 1961, she married playwright John Spurling. The couple have three children (Amy, Nathaniel, and Gilbert).

Works

Awards