Legendary novelist Wilbur Smith died unexpectedly on Saturday afternoon, November 13, at his Cape Town home after a morning of reading and writing with his wife, Niso, by his side.
The devastating news was shared on Smith’s official Twitter account as fans and avid readers of his popular novels poured in tributes, while sharing their favourite stories.
We are sorry to announce that the beloved, global bestselling author Wilbur Smith passed away unexpectedly this afternoon at his Cape Town home, with his wife Niso by his side. https://t.co/vHT7uIiwu1 pic.twitter.com/fh91Z11G86
— Wilbur Smith (@thewilbursmith) November 13, 2021
The iconic Smith, who touched the lives of many through his gripping tales, will be remembered for being an “undisputed and inimitable master of adventure writing,” as his website so aptly puts it.
His novels have been moving readers for over half a century, selling over 140 million copies worldwide in more than 30 languages.
The bestselling Courtney Series, which is the longest running in publishing history, follows the Courtney family’s thrilling adventures across the globe, right to the apartheid era in South Africa.
Each of the 49 novels Smith has published to date has a new journey to explore, an interesting lesson to learn, and a fascinating depiction of the world around us – from ancient Egypt to Paris, as readers, we have journeyed along with these characters, unravelling deep secrets.
Here are some of the tributes shared:
@axelvassallo – “The novels of the Egyptian cycle of #WilburSmith, in the original language, accompanied a period of my life, giving me a lot of wonderful memories. Today I know that those memories will still accompany me for many years and that unfortunately I will not have new ones. #Rip”
@JoshuaFreedma11 – “Rest in peace. Wilbur Smith was the author who developed my love of reading as a teenager. His books gave me many great me memories over the years. Simply a brilliant storyteller.”
@JohnMcM57813527 – “Thank you for all the wonderful memories and adventures you books took me and all your fans on safe travels and my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time.”
@VickiHopkinsUK – “He was the master of the adventure genre, and through the Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation has enabled many writers to pursue their dreams, myself included. His legacy will forever live on.”
Picture: Wilbur Smith Facebook page