Beryl Bainbridge, a highly original and appealing writer, has died at 77. From the Telegraph:

"Philip Hensher, author of Man Booker-shortlisted The Northern Clemency, described her prose as 'beautifully balanced and funny.' But he said her ingrained modesty made her unwilling to accept praise for her work."

My Adorations would never have worked (if indeed it does) without her Young Adolf.