Alexandra Ripley was a well-known American novelist. She was best known for her work “Scarlet,” a sequel to Margaret Michel’s renowned novel “Gone with the Wind.” She worked in a variety of occupations after working in the advertising section of “Life” magazine before taking on her writing project of ghostwriting articles for neurosurgeons. Before writing “Scarlet,” which went on to become the best-selling novel in the United Kingdom, this romantic and historical author had written a number of best-selling novels. Despite a number of critical reviews that were negative, this book was a big financial success. The rights to publish this novel were purchased for $4.94 million by Warner Books. The novel’s popularity was such that it sold eight million copies in five years. This book has been translated into 18 other languages. Later, on CBS television, an eight-hour television mini-series based on this novel was broadcast. Under the pen name B.K. Ripley, penned her debut novel, “Who’s That Lady in the President’s Bed?” She dedicated her best-selling first historical novel, “Charleston,” to a loan officer who had helped her pay her rent. “New Orleans Legacy” and “From Fields of God” are two of her novels that have received critical recognition.
Childhood and Adolescence
Alexandra Ripley’s father Alexander, who was born Alexandra Braid, was an insurance salesman. Elizabeth Braid was her mother’s name. She was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where she was encouraged to participate in activities such as knitting and playing the piano when she was a toddler.
Her family discouraged her from reading because they thought she would have a hard time finding a decent husband. She went to Charleston’s Ashley Hall to finish school to master proper etiquette.
She studied Russian at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, after winning a United Daughters of the Confederacy grant. In 1955, she received her diploma from there.
The career of Alexandra Ripley
She worked in the advertising section of “Life” magazine in New York City after finishing her studies. She went on to work for Air France in Washington, DC, later.
She worked as a tour guide for a short time. She went on to work as a travel agent after that. She even worked as an underwear buyer for a time. Following that, she took on her first writing job as a ghostwriter for neurosurgeons.
She also worked as a reader for a New York publishing business, eventually rising to the position of publicity director. Around 1970, she relocated to Virginia.
In 1972, she published her first novel, “Who’s the Lady in the President’s Bed?” “Charleston,” her first historical fiction, was released in 1981.
Her next book, “On Leaving Charleston,” was published in 1984. “The Time Returns” was published in 1985. The next year, she was approached about writing a sequel to “Gone with the Wind.”
Margaret Mitchell wrote the novel “Gone with the Wind.” Mitchell’s two nephews and their lawyer approached Ripley about writing the novel’s sequel.
The sequel, ‘Scarlett,’ was released in 1991 and became a great hit within three days of its release, despite being panned by critics for not matching the level and sophistication of Margaret Michel’s work. It topped the best-seller rankings in the United Kingdom, selling approximately eight million copies in five years.
Major Projects of Alexandra Ripley
In 1985, she released her novel “The Time Returns.” The story of Lorenzo de Medici and Ginevra de Pazzi, who strive to preserve the pride and glory of 15th century Florence, is told in this book.
“Scarlett,” her novel, is a follow-up to Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind.” It was released in 1991, and in 1994, a television mini-series based on the narrative was televised. This novel, which is on the “New York Times” bestseller list, tells the narrative of Scarlett O’Hara, a lady.
In 1997, her historical novel “A Love Divine” was published. This novel’s plot revolves around Joseph of Arimethea, the man whose tomb Jesus Christ was laid to rest.
Personal History and Legacy
She married Leonard Ripley in 1958. They lived in Florence, Italy for a while after their marriage. After that, they relocated to New York. They were the parents of two girls. In 1963, they divorced.
She married John Graham, a rhetoric professor, in 1981.
At the age of 70, she died at her home in Richmond. Her two daughters, Elizabeth Lyon Ripley and Merill Ripley Geier survived her.
Estimated Net Worth
Alexandra is one of the wealthiest novelists and one of the most well-known novelists. Alexandra Ripley’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million, according to Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.
Trivia
At the age of 12, this great novelist read “Gone with the Wind” for the first time. She was so intrigued by this book that she duplicated the first 350 pages longhand to acquire a feel for Margaret Mitchell, the book’s author, on her wrist.