The Elected Member was the second winner of the 1970 Booker Prize, after Something to Answer For by P.H.Newby in 1969. Bernice Rubens (1928-2004) was born in Wales and began writing in her middle thirties when the kids went to school. She was shortlisted again in 1978 for A Five Year Sentence, and her winning book was shortlisted with some august company...To read the rest of my review visit http://anzlitlovers.wordpress.com/2009/07/25/the-elected-member-by-bernice-rubens/
I've read 22 now, and 12 to go (not counting this year's yet to be announced winner, of course).
It's interesting to consider why earlier prizewinners were selected, especially those that seem a bit dated. It's too bad when a book doesn't stand the test of time. This does sound a bit "typically late 60s". I have yet to read it myself so I enjoyed your review!
ReplyDelete