Which Bernice Rubens novel won the 1970 Booker Prize?

Bernice Rubens won the 1970 Booker Prize for her novel The Elected Member.

The novel centers on Norman Zweck, a Jewish man suffering a mental breakdown and convinced that he sees silverfish everywhere. As the story unfolds, it explores the secrets, tensions and tragedy within his immediate family.

Rubens was a Welsh writer, and her win made her the first woman to receive the Booker Prize. The book was published in 1969, which fits the award’s original practice: the 1970 prize recognized a novel from the preceding year.

The alternatives are genuine Booker winners, but from different years. The Siege of Krishnapur won in 1973, while Holiday and The Conservationist jointly won in 1974. Their presence can create confusion because all belong to the Booker’s early history.