Francine Pascal, the acclaimed author behind the iconic “Sweet Valley High” series, passed away at the age of 92. Her agent, Amy Bekower, confirmed her death on Sunday, with Pascal succumbing to lymphoma in a New York hospital, as reported by her daughter Laurie Wenk-Pascal to the New York Times.
Pascal’s “Sweet Valley High” series, which began in 1983, captivated readers worldwide with the stories of identical twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield. Set in the fictional Los Angeles suburb of Sweet Valley, the series explored themes of teen romance, friendship, and sibling rivalry, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Over two decades, Pascal authored 180 books in the series, along with several spin-offs, including “Sweet Valley Twins” and “Sweet Valley University.” The books were translated into 27 languages and sold hundreds of millions of copies globally.
Francine Pascal, creator of the Sweet Valley High series of young adult novels, has died at 92. The first book in the series was published in 1983, and it became a phenomenon encompassing 181 books and spawning multiple spinoff series. @randomhousekids https://t.co/toQ9GbE1xz pic.twitter.com/UT1oshZSRU
— Kirkus Reviews (@KirkusReviews) July 30, 2024
The popularity of “Sweet Valley High” extended beyond books, inspiring a television series that aired from 1994 to 1997, starring real-life twins Cynthia and Brittany Daniel. Pascal had initially envisioned the concept as a daytime drama featuring teenage characters but was advised by a friend to develop it as a book series instead. This decision allowed her to fully flesh out the vibrant world of Sweet Valley, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and those of her three daughters.
Pascal’s fascination with twins, a recurring theme in her work, stemmed from her interest in the duality of human nature, embodied in the contrasting personalities of Elizabeth and Jessica. In 2022, Pascal revisited the series with a graphic novel adaptation, “Sweet Valley Twins,” further cementing the series’ enduring appeal.
Before her success with “Sweet Valley High,” Pascal’s writing career began in the 1960s, co-writing for the soap opera “The Young Marrieds” with her husband, John Pascal. She also authored several other young adult novels, including “Hangin’ Out with Cici,” “My First Love and Other Disasters,” and “The Hand-Me-Down Kid.” Additionally, Pascal wrote adult novels, such as “Save Johanna!” in 1981 and “If Wishes Were Horses” in 1994.
Sweet Valley High book nerds!! We have funeral oh😭😭. Francine Pascal , the writer and creator SVH has died at 92. 😭
Rest in absolute peace Francine! 🤍 pic.twitter.com/2u2h0mdltb— Naa (@OyooQuartey) July 30, 2024
Pascal’s contributions to literature, particularly in the young adult genre, have left a lasting impact on readers and the publishing industry. Her work not only entertained but also resonated with audiences, offering relatable and engaging stories that explored the complexities of adolescence.
Key Points:
i. Francine Pascal, author of “Sweet Valley High,” has died at 92 from lymphoma.
ii. Her “Sweet Valley High” series, featuring twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide.
iii. The series, which began in 1983, inspired several spin-offs and a TV series from 1994 to 1997.
iv. Pascal’s fascination with twins and themes of duality were central to her work.
v. Before “Sweet Valley,” Pascal co-wrote for “The Young Marrieds” and authored several young adult and adult novels.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
