Anyone read Beryl Bainbridge?

yoyobon_gw

18 years ago

Thank you Martin for your post on Booker awards.

I was interested in knowing more about Dame Beryl Bainbridge's books.

Is anyone familiar with her writing?

Which book would you suggest as a good one to read?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

veer
18 years ago
I've read a few of Bainbridge's books and remember quite enjoying According to Queenie the story of Q's mother Hester Thrale and her friend Dr Johnson.
A big fuss was made of Master Georgie about the Crimean War and the one about the Titanic (can't remember its name) but they didn't hold my attention.
lemonhead101
18 years ago
I attempted to read her book on the Titanic and its passengers, but couldn't get into it at all. Since then, haven't been tempted to read any others.

Martin - didn't you read the Titanic book?
Related Discussions
December: What are you reading?
Q
Comments (78)
I have been reading a couple of OOP mysteries from Betterworld and also bought a copy of "Gimme More" by Lisa Cody to read again as I enjoyed it some years ago. It has been very hot, over 100F so I was bunkered indoors with the air-conditioning on, reading and eating Christmas chocolates. I came to a part where a character remembers floating in a swimming pool which sounded enticing and then I thought "Why am I not doing that?" so instead of reading about it, I grabbed my bathing suit and walked for a full minute to the one in our Village. Sometimes I let fantasy get in the way of reality. Has anyone else ever done that?
...See More
What are you reading in May?
Q
Comments (53)
Back from vacation where I devoured the Swans of Fifth Avenue. I thoroughly enjoyed that one and will try at some point to get her other book The Aviator's Wife... I am soon to finish Eight Cousins (Louisa May Alcott or is it Mae?) which is just so cozy and sweet. I love reading it on my kindle for all the vocabulary help with the words of the era. Such a sweet story though really. not sure what will be ext.
...See More
What are we reading in November?
Q
Comments (119)
I just finished Ordinary Grace; like many others here I really enjoyed it. An interesting story, nicely written, good character development. Thanks to the people who've recommended it! One thing I loved was how he handled minor characters. I've read a few books lately and by the time I get to the middle of the book and a character from the first part of the book is mentioned again and I have no idea who they are. So often the author gives no clue to remind the reader about them. He had a very subtle hand with that and I loved that it just took me a sentence or two to go, "Oh, that's who they are. I remember now."
...See More
What are we reading? April 2021 Edition
Q
Comments (64)
Just finishing The Upside of Hunger, an excellent true tale that has been hard to put down. Though part of it takes place during WWII, that is not the primary focus of the story. From Amazon: Book Overview This description may be from another edition of this product. "Beautiful, shocking, at times painful... the magnificently told story of a man who triumphed over the limitations of history to become his greatest self."Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting true story of history, suspense, and beating the odds.The life he was born into was too small for Adam Baumann. But would escaping Hungary cost him everything?Based on a true story shared with the author over 400+ recorded interviews, this is the epic tale of a young man's survival as the world plunged into the darkest days of WW2.Growing up in an isolated village in eastern Hungary between the great wars, Adam couldn't remember a time he hadn't yearned for more excitement, more freedom, and often more food. Locked up for theft at age nine, Adam's life took one tumultuous turn after another as Hitler plunged Europe into war.From a 12-year-old runaway searching for food, to a 15-year-old shivering in the mud of a frozen foxhole on the Eastern Front, Adam's survival hung in the balance. When a Russian bullet found it's mark, Adam was catapulted into a series of captures and narrow escapes from enemy forces while Europe reeled from the final destruction and horror of WW2.Never standing still, Adam struggled through war-torn landscapes to find his family, and began to build a life from the ashes, until the results of a medical examination at an American Embassy in Germany changed the course of his future forever.
...See More
cindydavid4
18 years ago
I know that name and must have tried something by her for for the life of me can't remember what (those two don't sound familiar). Mmmmmm....I'm not much help, sorry
netla
18 years ago
I have only read Harriet Said, which was the first book she wrote (but not the first published). It was an interestingly creepy and realistic look at an obsessive friendship.
brendainva
18 years ago
My favorite book of hers is THE BIRTHDAY BOYS, which is truly spectacular.

Brenda
dido1
18 years ago
I endorse The Birthday Boys. It's about Scott's expedition to Antarctica.

Dido
martin_z
18 years ago
I have read Every Man For Himself, as you correctly remembered, Liz. Here's my complete review of it from the old RP review threads.

A story of a bunch of thoughtless rich prats on the Titanic, most of whom get drowned. Can't say I was sorry. Well written, but so what? This did absolutely nothing for me.

I've also read An Awfully Big Adventure but I don't recall being desperately impressed. But I always loved the story of Scott when I was a boy (even though now, with the cynicism of age, I feel that Scott and his men were stubborn idiots, who deserved to only come second to Amundsen!), and so I'll have to put The Birthday Boys on my TBR list too.

Beryl Bainbridge is the most nominated writer on the Booker list - she's been short-listed five times, and long-listed a further time, but she's never won it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Beryl Bainbridge proud to be
brendainva
18 years ago
I have her QUEENIE on my tbr stack. Heaven knows when I will get to it.

Brenda

Related Stories

GREEN BUILDING Why You Might Want to Build a House of Straw

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Straw bales are cheap, easy to find and DIY-friendly. Get the basics on building with this renewable, ecofriendly material

Full Story

119

KITCHEN DESIGN Cooking With Color: When to Use White in the Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Make sure your snowy walls, cabinets and counters don't feel cold while you're riding white's popularity peak

Full Story

148

BACKYARD IDEAS 7 Backyard Sheds Built With Love

By Annie Thornton

The Hardworking Home: Says one homeowner and shed builder, ‘I am amazed at the peace and joy I feel when working in my garden shed’

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Your Floors: Zebra, Tiger, and Teak Wood, Oh, My!

By Paul Anater

Get the Pros and Cons of Exotic Woods: Hickory, Cherry, Rosewood and More

Full Story

TRAVEL BY DESIGN Travel Guide: Seattle for Design Lovers

By Ventana Construction LLC

Pioneers of the past and high-tech titans of the present make for an eclectic mix of architecture, museums, hotels and eateries

Full Story

UNIVERSAL DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Good Looking and Accessible to All

By Jeannie Matteucci

Universal design features and sustainable products create a beautiful, user-friendly kitchen that works for a homeowner on wheels

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING What to Know Before You Buy Teak Outdoor Furniture

By Christine Tusher

Learn about finishes, weathering, care and that age-old oil debate to get the teak furnishings that suit you best

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Wanderlust-Fueled Decor in Salt Lake City

By Lucy Call

Globally gathered and family pieces bring personal warmth to a historic Utah home

Full Story

Anyone read Beryl Bainbridge?

Comments (8)

veer

lemonhead101

Related Discussions

cindydavid4

netla

brendainva

dido1

martin_z

brendainva

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US