Author Beryl Bainbridge dies aged 75

02 July 2010

The prolific and sometimes controversial writer, Dame Beryl Bainbridge has died today. She had suffered the return of Cancer.

Beryl began writing a diary at the age of 10 but was an actress before she became a novelist. Her first novel, 'Harriet Said' was initially rejected because of its loathsome characters. However, following two successful novels – A weekend with Claud and Another Part of the Wood, Harriet Said was published in 1972. Her next books, The Dressmaker and The Bottle Factory Outing were shortlisted for the Booker Prize in the 1970's. She also had 3 subsequent books nominated   - An Awfully Big Adventure, Every Man for Himself, and Master George.

Beryl Bainbridge stimulated debate when she published her novel Young Adolf, which is the telling of the story of a visit of the 23 year old, suave Adolf Hitler's, legendary visit to Liverpool. The story was inspired by the memoirs published in 1970 written by Bridget Hitler, the wife of Adolf's brother Alois. Later she was asked to corroborate on a BBC drama, The Journal of Bridget Hitler.

Beryl Bainbridge's writings are often fantastic, witty, enduring social commentaries, often using the small person to paint her entirely unique impressions of human nature. She will be a very large loss to the world of literature.