Barker, A.L. (1918–2002)

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Barker, A.L. (1918–2002)

British novelist and short-story writer. Name variations: Audrey Lillian Barker. Born Audrey Lillian Barker, April 13, 1918, in Kent, England; died Feb 21, 2002; dau. of Harry Barker and Elsie A. Dutton Barker.

Best known for short stories which were often described as ghostly, surreal, or Kafkaesque, also wrote novels; works include Innocents: Variations on a Theme (1947), Apology for a Hero (1950), A Case Examined (1965), The Middling (1967), John Brown's Body (1969), A Source of Embarrassment (1974), No Word of Love (1985), The Gooseboy (1987) and Seduction (1994). Was 1st recipient of Somerset Maugham award (1947); elected fellow of Royal Society of Literature (1970).