Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Smart was a Canadian novelist and poet, best known for her book "By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept" which detailed her romantic relationship with English poet George Barker. Smart was born in Ottawa, Ontario in 1913 and grew up in a prominent and affluent family. Her father was a lawyer who associated with influential people, and she received a private education that provided her with a strong academic foundation.

Smart developed an interest in poetry and novel writing at a young age. After studying at Kings College in England and working as a secretary for Margret Watt, she became interested in George Barker's poetry. This interest eventually blossomed into a long-running affair, with Smart becoming pregnant and having four children with Barker. Despite the challenges that came with their relationship, including Barker's marriage and residence in Japan, Smart remained deeply in love with him and continued to pursue their relationship.

Smart's career as a writer took off after she began working on local journals in Ottawa. She traveled to California and New York, where she met and networked with prominent writers such as Lawrence Durrell. It was during this time that she finally met Barker in person, and the two began a passionate and enduring affair.

Smart's most famous work, "By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept," was inspired by her relationship with Barker. Despite the challenges that came with their relationship, including Barker's marriage and her family's disapproval, Smart remained deeply in love with him and continued to pursue their relationship. After having two more children with Barker, Smart worked as an advertising copywriter until 1966, when she relocated to Suffolk and became a creative writer. She passed away in 1986, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and influential writer and poet.