Fay Weldon is a British author, essayist, and playwright, known for her sharp wit and incisive commentary on gender roles and societal norms. Born on September 22, 1931, in England, she spent part of her childhood in New Zealand and later returned to the United Kingdom. Her writing career spans decades, with her first novel, "The Fat Woman's Joke," published in 1967. Weldon's work is characterized by a distinctive feminist perspective, often focusing on the trials and tribulations of contemporary women, exploring themes such as female identity, sexuality, and power dynamics within relationships. Some of her best-known works include "The Life and Loves of a She-Devil," which tells the story of a woman's radical transformation and revenge against her unfaithful husband, and "Puffball," a story that intertwines the supernatural with an examination of pregnancy and rural life. In addition to her novels, Weldon has written short stories, plays for stage, radio, and television, and was a scriptwriter for the iconic television series "Upstairs, Downstairs." Throughout her career, she has received accolades and awards, establishing herself as a significant voice in contemporary literature.