books
Sinking ships, dark humor and really good bad guys: Beryl Bainbridge
From the last days of the Titanic to desperate romantics, we rate the work of a British master of black comedy
TL;DR
- Bainbridge's novel about the RMS Titanic is acclaimed for its depiction of the sinking, though it adheres closely to facts, slightly muffling her usual eccentricity.
- Another novel features a teenage narrator and her friend involved with a married man, exploring themes of power and corrupted innocence.
- Several of her novels are based on historical events, including the Crimean War and Robert Scott's ill-fated journey to the South Pole, with distinct character voices.
- Her work also delves into her "terrifying" childhood in Liverpool, portraying domestic strife and the demons of her father.
- Bainbridge excels at creating complex characters, such as a charming lothario and an ungovernable girl pursuing acting, often in post-war Liverpool settings.
- Her books are noted for their blend of humor and sadness, with some described as black comedies or farces that can turn into tense dramas.
- The novels often end in death or depict characters navigating chaotic situations, finding humor in dark circumstances.
- Desperate romantics are a recurring theme, with characters experiencing internal turmoil that leads to black comedy.