Beryl Bainbridge

Beryl Bainbridge is one of Britains major post-war novelists. This study analyses Bainbridges work in relation to some of the pressing debates in post-war literary studies. It frames Bainbridges work within her life and times, describing her unique approach to fictionalising her own past and Britains more distant historical past. Topics covered include Bainbridges vexed relationship with feminism; her approach to comedy; her treatment of autobiography; her interest in myth-making and national tragedy; and her un-theorised yet subtly postmodernist views about history, fiction and memory. With generous reference to Bainbridges peers, her literary influences and those influenced by her work, Marsh identifies the major phases of Bainbridges career, contextualising each with material from Bainbridges journalism, essays interviews and unpublished papers. Suitable for all readers of Bainbridges novels and including suggestions for further reading, Marshs book combines awareness of recent literary criticism and theory with accessible, contextualised readings.