A biography of the novelist who denied that she ever wrote fiction, maintaining that her books were based on her experiences. “What is more peculiar, more riveting, devious and horrific than real life?" she said.

But while her own life was the primary source for her books, she was never afraid of adding a little colour.

Episode 1: The early years at Formby.

The author Brendan King is a freelance translator, editor and reviewer, with a special interest in late nineteenth century French literature. He completed his PhD on Joris-Karl Huysmans’ life and work at Birkbeck College, London, in 2004.

Between 1987 and 2010, King worked for Beryl Bainbridge, and helped prepare a number of the novels she wrote during this period for publication, including the book she was working on at the time of her death, The Girl in the Polka-dot Dress, which was published posthumously.

Readers:
Narrator ...... James Fleet
Beryl Bainbridge ...... Samantha Bond

Author: Brendan King
Abridger: Pete Nichols
Producer: Karen Rose

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016. Show less