Christobel MATTINGLEY

I didn’t know Christobel, however I read one of her books - King of the Wilderness - the Life of Deny King - an excellent book - so thank you Christobel for brining Denys life to print.

I discovered Christobel Mattingley in the early 1980s when I was studying Children's Literature and, having several of her books at hand, I researched and wrote a survey-essay. When I was able to publish this, and other articles, I wrote to her, and she replied, warmly and generously, answering all my questions. Some time later, she tracked me down in Melbourne, phoned me, and we were able to have her visit and meet one another (and she met my family -- she was such a mother-archetype that she wanted to know the people she met, adults and children -- she even suggested smuggling my youngest in the sleeper train that would take her back to her Adelaide home). This was a great privilege for us all! Later, I was able to meet Christobel and her husband, David, and much later I reviewed her important book about his RAAF experiences in Bomber Command during World War II. Whenever possible I have done what I can with articles and reviews to explain Christobel's rich, outstanding, and amazingly diverse body of work. Across the years of occasional contacts, Christobel was a recurring bright comet-like great moment when we connected, however briefly. I wish it had been more, and hope that she will be celebrated and remembered as she so rightly deserves. Australia, and the world -- humanity! -- has lost a great writer, and a great soul!

I knew of Christobel first through some of her books, when I was studying Children's Literature in the early 1980s. Her books -- new to me -- were immediately interesting, finely written, and deeply moving. I published an article about some of her books, and wrote to her, through her publisher. She replied, generously, answering all my questions. Some while later she contacted me, and then visited my family and me in Melbourne. In a small, brief, but deep way, I became privileged to welcome Christobel into my life, and my family's life. Our contacts may have been few, but her work continued to inspire me, and I did, and continue to do, as much as I can to encourage others to read and appreciate her great works, and her life. She was warm, funny, compassionate, passionate, motherly, and a great Australian, a great person, who will be very sadly missed, but who deserves to be celebrated and remembered with gratitude for her energy, insight, sensitivity, and profound humanity!

I received a copy of “Windmill at Magpie Creek” back in 1975 for book week as a prize for a book cover I made when I was just 10 years old. I recently found my book and looked Christobel up online to find out she had past away. I wanted to tell her that I still have an original book of hers as it’s amost 50 years old. It’s odd because I was born and grew up in NSW but now live in Adelaide where she gre up. I plan to pass the book onto my eldest gransdowhonis now 8. Time to read him the book aswell.
RIP

I'm so sad about Christobels death. I meet her and her family 1988 in Austria. Rest in Peace. I will never forget you

Sending heartfelt condolences to Christobel's family at this sad and difficult time. Christobel and David were true gentle woman and gentle man, and did remarkable things for our country. Thanking Christobel for her influence and friendship through her wonderful books and letters. Sadly Christobel, I have missed visiting you by a few weeks. RIP xxx

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thank you for writing the Maralinga story. Always remembered by the Maralinga Tjarutja Community.

Christobel and David were the enlightened and inspirational people who brought Community Aid Abroad to South Australia. We met them when we became CAA employees and we were enormously grateful to have worked with those shared goals for 20 years.
In addition, our children enjoyed Christobel's many exceptional books. It's hard to find the words to adequately describe how someone such as Christobel enriched our world. She will never be forgotten.
Condolences to her family and loved ones.