According to Beryl - Beryl Bainbridge

"All of my earlier books were about my own background and childhood and I wanted to try something else. Historical fiction wasn't entirely new to me because I'd written a book about Adolf Hitler coming to Liverpool ('Young Adolf') and a book about a murderer ('Watson's Apology') that was set in 1870. I set out to write about the Titantic because I'd written 'An Awfully Big Adventure', which in turn came out of JM Barrie's 'Peter Pan'. I discovered that Barrie and Captain Scott had been friends, so I dealt with Scott's expedition in 'The Birthday Boys'. From there I hit on the idea of the Crimean War and from there to Dr Johnson."

Lest any potential reader balk at the idea of a biography of the first lexicographer, this work is much more than that. 'According to Queeney' is a healthy fusion of biography and fiction, drawing in a wide circle of contemporary figures and acquaintances. It has been warmly received by readers and Johnson academics alike, but Bainbridge has received some criticism about it. "One or two people have pointed out modern language usage in the book and there was a another criticism that said that there wasn't a very strong narrative line, but in general the response has been fantastic."

The narrative line referred to is a multiple one with many characters constructing the story from a variety of perspectives. Past and present episodes are juxtaposed with present day recollections. Much of the story is recounted by women, from his squabbling housemates - Mrs Williams and Mrs Desmoulins - to Hester Thrale, wife of a Johnson benefactor. The Queeney of the title is Thrale's precocious daughter who corresponds with a Johnson biographer years after his death. All of these women have very different relationships with the fecund doctor, and the predominance of the female narrative softens and humanises a historical figure, usually judged on just one aspect of his life.

It's difficult not to ask Beryl Bainbridge about the dreaded 'B' word - as in Booker Prize. 'According to Queeney' was tipped as the bookies favourite to take this year's Prize, but has disappointingly failed to make the shortlist. Between 1973 and 1998, she has been nominated five times for the prestigious award, but has failed to win it. Bainbridge seems destined to be the eternal bridesmaid, never the bride. "I still feel surprised and pleased when my name shows up on shortlists but I tend to get worried. There's so much hype about the whole thing and when you don't make the list or win the prize you feel a little embarrassed, but only for a moment."

While I was writing this article it was announced that Bainbridge unfortunately hadn't made the Booker shortlist. 'According to Queeney' is a fascinating insight into a troubled intellectual tormented by his passions and an over-active mind. Despite the historical setting, there is no lofty prose to be found. The narrative is tight and prosaic and it is an utterly rewarding read. Bainbridge is undoubtedly a gifted writer - it's just a pity the folk involved in the Booker Prize repeatedly fail to recognise this.

Sinéad Gleeson

'According to Queeney' is published by Little, Brown, £10.99stg.