Robert Cormier was an American author and journalist best known for his pessimistic novels and short stories. He wrote eight major novels and a number of short tales, the majority of which are aimed at young adults. Despite his lack of initial commercial success, he was consistently praised by critics. Abuse, betrayal, mental illness, violence, and retribution are important themes throughout his books and short tales. Another intriguing aspect of his tales is that good does not always triumph over evil. His novels’ inclination to emphasize the ‘bad’ resulted in his books being rejected by educational institutions and library lists. However, the author and various commentators have characterized his work as a realistic portrayal of human nature. Some of his writings were first banned due to the dark, controversial character of his stories. They have, however, been accepted into mainstream publishing firms and have been translated into a variety of languages throughout time. His books are widely recommended in the New York Times and School Library Journal, and routinely feature on the American Library Association’s list of “Best Books for Young Adults.”
Childhood and Adolescence
Robert Cormier was the second of Lucien Joseph and Irma M. Cormier’s eight children. He enjoyed reading books and remaining at home as a child. He started writing while he was in first grade.
He knew he wanted to be a writer before the seventh grade, and his first short story, “The Little Things That Count,” was published in the Catholic magazine “The Sign” when he was still a freshman at Fitchburg State College. Without Cormier’s knowledge, one of his teachers sent the article to be published.
Career of Robert Cormier
Cormier began his career producing radio advertisement compositions. He won three major prizes throughout his 31-year career as a newspaper reporter and columnist for the ‘Worcester Telegram’ and ‘Gazette’ and ‘The Fitchburg Sentinel.’
In 1960, his debut novel, ‘Now and At the Hour,’ was released, earning him critical acclaim and launching his literary career.
In 1963, he published his second piece of fiction, ‘A Little Raw on Monday Mornings,’ and a few years later, he published ‘Take Me Where the Good Times Are,’ before abandoning journalism to become a full-time writer.
‘The Chocolate War,’ his debut novel for teenagers, was written and published in 1974. With its storyline and style, he immediately established a reputation as a brutally straightforward, uncompromising author who dealt with grave subjects relating to adolescent concerns, such as anarchy and sexuality.
Some of his best works, such as ‘Fade’ and ‘We All Fall Down,’ explore the darker aspects of human nature.
In 1997, he wrote ‘Tenderness,’ and a year later, ‘Heroes,’ a thriller.
‘The Rag and Bone Shop,’ his final piece of fiction, was published posthumously in 2001.
Major Works of Robert Cormier
When ‘The Chocolate War’ was first published in 1974, it was met with mixed reviews. Although many critics consider it to be one of the best young adult novels of all time, it was prohibited in many schools due to its “sexual content, harsh language, and violence.”
‘I Am the Cheese,’ published in 1975, reached five-yearly book lists and was eventually transformed into a film. The magazine received the ‘Phoenix Award’ in 1997.
Achievements & Awards
He received the Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1991 for his body of work that aided young adults in their growth and understanding. ‘I Am the Cheese’ was mentioned as one of the books that young adults ‘took to heart over time.’
Personal History and Legacy
Cormier and his wife, Constance Senay, or ‘Connie,’ have four children, all of whom inspired his writing during their adolescent years.
Though his works are devoid of slang or teen jargon, the speech patterns were greatly influenced by what he overheard from his children’s talks with their peers.
Lung cancer was the cause of his death.
Robert Cormier’s Net Worth
Robert Cormier made money by Authors niche. For all time, at the moment, in 2022 years, Robert Cormier earned $6 Million.
Trivia
When this great author was in eighth grade, he saw his house on fire but was unable to help his mother and infant sister because his instructor made him sit back and say prayers before allowing him to go. He believes it took him years to get over his feelings over the occurrence.
Despite the fact that this well-known author wrote in English, the majority of his characters have French-sounding names, which he did as a tribute to a place called French Hill, where he grew up.