Edith Somerville (1858–1949) was born on the island of Corfu, but grew up in the Irish countryside, which inspired her writing. She and her cousin, Ross, wrote novels, short stories, travel essays, and memoirs together. After Ross’s death, Somerville published three more novels, all with Ross’s name on them alongside hers.

Violet Florence Martin (1862–1915) published with her cousin under the pen name of Somerville and Ross. They were lifelong companions and literary partners, writing the popular “R. M.” stories, comprising Some Experiences of an Irish R. M. and Further Experiences of an Irish R. M., as well as other works.