The Elected Member (1970)
Who wrote it?
Bernice Rubens (1923-2004; active 1960-2004), born Cardiff, Wales. Daughter of a Lithuanian Jew who was attempting to make it to the USA, but only got as far as Cardiff.
What's it about
A previously successful fortysomething Jewish barrister is committed after an amphetamine addiction causes him to see silverfish everywhere. Along the way, we meet his disappointed Rabbi father and his sister Bella (whose main character trait seems to be "wearing white ankle socks in her thirties") - both of whom he lives with, as well as his other sister Esther (who doesn't live in the family home, for reasons that become clear.)
Inside the hospital, we're also introduced to a memorable character going by the name of The Minister. Over the course of the brief novel we get into themes of psychiatry, family disfunction, incest, sexuality and of course religion.
What I liked
Highly readable. You can breeze through this in a few days.
A wonderful way with narrative reveals - they come gradually and subtly, but always pack an emotional heft.
Occasionally some very amusing reveals, such as when you finally twig why the Minister always wears boots, whether in bed or the bath (clue: it's nothing to do with the alleged "cow pads" he allegedly believes are littering the hospital floors)
Some genuine gut punch moments, as Norman's character unfolds via flashbacks and your sympathy, let's say, dimishes somewhat.
Memorable characters, all of which at least start out feeling well-rounded. Rabbi Zweck in particular feels multi-faceted and is somewhat more sympathetic than most of the other characters in the book.
Gripping in places, such as Norman's last stand at the bar, told by flashback and a real tour de force.
Rather emotional in its focus on lives that seem to be drifting along towards inevitable sad conclusions, with any attempt to move forward into the modern world held back by adherence to tradition.
What I didn't like
In honesty, not that much. You could argue that the conclusion is a little unsatisfactory, and overall there's a sense of "slightness" about it all. But after the complexities of Something to Answer For, I was honestly happy with a slightly lighter read (subject matter notwithstanding) that strove more for emotional depth than technical innovation.
Some potentially outdated takes on mental health, which others may or may not take issue with in more enlightened times - probably reflective of their era, though
A few slightly underdeveloped characters and (depending on your reading) some fairly simplistic causes pointed towards as reasons for Norman's troubles (the overbearing mother! sexual identity issues! etc), undermining an otherwise multi-layered web of family issues.
There's not a lot of joy in it - that didn't bother me if I'm honest - but if you like an optimistic resolution you'd be better off looking elsewhere.
Food & drink pairings
Lots of tea
The white pills, not the pink ones
Unpleasant hospital "muck"
Fun facts
The last (of two) Bookers to be awarded retrospectively, so this was written in 1969. Writing a book in 1970? BAD LUCK! They're changing the rules in 1971 to only include books written in 1971. A sign of how little interest there actually was in the Prize at the time. Don't worry though, you'll get your chance in 30 years or so..
Iris Murdoch makes it 2/2 for nominations without a win. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get there one day Iris!
Rubens was another busy one. She wrote absolutely loads of novels as well as making documentaries. She was nominated for the Booker once more, but this is her only winner. A few of her books were made into apparently moderately successful films, but I've seen none of them. Have you?
Vanquished Foes
A. L. Barker (John Brown's Body)
Elizabeth Bowen (Eva Trout)
Iris Murdoch (Bruno's Dream)
William Trevor (Mrs Eckdorf in O'Neill's Hotel)
Terence Wheeler (The Conjunction)
Once more, I've read NONE of these. Have you? Should I? Should anything else have been nominated that was written in 1969?
Context
In 1969, when the book was published:
Elvis returns
Yasser Arafat elected PLO leader
John Lennon & Yoko Ono marriage and “bed in” for peace
Stonewall Riots
First US troop withdrawals from Vietnam
Moon landings
Woodstock
Gaddafi comes to power in Libya
Monty Python’s Flying Circus begins
The Beatles, Abbey Road & Led Zeppelin’s first two albums
Life Lessons
Don't do drugs, mmkay.
Families, who'd have 'em?
Religion / tradition. Possibly not always great at leaving people equipped to deal with the modern world.
Something about silverfish maybe (?!)
Score
7
Ranking to date:
The Elected Member - Bernice Rubens (1970) - 7
Something to Answer For - P. H. Newby (1969) - 5.5
We have a new leader! Time will tell whether I've been over or under generous to Bernice.
On balance I enjoyed it and think 7 is a fair score for a very readable, if ultimately potentially a little forgettable, novel.
Next up
Troubles, by J.G.Farrell, which people decided was the best book of 1970 in 2010. Naturally.
