Bawden, Nina (1925–)

views updated

Bawden, Nina (1925–)

British novelist and children's writer. Name variations: Nina Bawden Kark. Born Nina Cushing, Jan 19, 1925, in London, England; dau. of Charles Mabey Cushing and Ellalaine Ursula (May) Cushing; Somerville College, BA, 1946, MA, 1951; m. H.W. Bawden, 1946; m. Austen Steven Kark, 1954 (died 2002); children: 4.

Worked as a lay-magistrate; wrote mysteries, horror stories, domestic comedies, including Anna Apparent (1972), George Between a Paper Moon (1974), Afternoon of a Good Woman (1976), Walking Naked (1981), The Ice House (1983), Circles of Deceit (1987), Family Money (1991), A Nice Change (1997), and Ruffian on the Stair (2001); also wrote children's books, including The Secret Passage (1963), The Witch's Daughter (1966), Squib (1971), Carrie's War (1973), The Outside Child (1989), and The Real Plato Jones (1993); made a fellow of the Royal Literary Society; served as president of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists; several works made into films and tv serials. Circles of Deceit shortlisted for Booker Prize.