According to Queeney
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Beryl Bainbridge |
| Products | Biographical novel |
According to Queeney is a 2001 biographical novel by English author Beryl Bainbridge, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The narrative focuses on the concluding years of Samuel Johnson’s life and explores his connections with Hester Thrale and her daughter, 'Queeney'. The story primarily unfolds between 1765 and Johnson’s passing in 1784, supplemented by later letters from Queeney to Laetitia Hawkins dated 1807, presented at the end of chapters.
Plot
The story is mainly told through Queeney’s viewpoint and portrays Samuel Johnson’s recovery following a mental collapse. Through the introduction by Arthur Murphy, Johnson meets brewer Henry Thrale and his wife Hester, becoming a regular visitor to their country estate at Streatham Park. He develops a close relationship with their daughter Queeney. The narrative follows their travels to places such as Lichfield, Brighthelmstone (Brighton), Wales, and Paris. Various notable historical figures appear throughout, including John Hawkins, James Woodhouse, Anna Williams, Robert Levet, Frank Barber, John Delap, Fanny Burney, Davy Garrick, Bennet Langton, Frances Reynolds, Giuseppe Baretti, Oliver Goldsmith, Joshua Reynolds, and James Boswell.
Reception
Publishers Weekly commends Bainbridge’s succinct writing style, remarking that the novel effectively captures 18th-century life while offering a vivid portrayal of Johnson surpassing all but Boswell’s accounts. It conveys Johnson’s social engagements, imagined relationships with Hester Thrale, and excursions with the Thrale family, skillfully balancing period etiquette with underlying emotional complexity through Queeney’s discerning narration.
In The Observer, Adam Sisman applauds Bainbridge’s fusion of historical facts and authentic speech, highlighting the novel’s elegant prose that delivers both immediacy and depth, making it rewarding upon repeated readings.
John Mullan of The Guardian observes Bainbridge’s adept use of genuine letters and diaries but critiques the inconsistent tone resulting from a strict adherence to 18th-century linguistic style. He regards the work as a thoughtful reflection on Johnson’s life that may inspire readers to consult original documents.
Writing for The New York Times, Thomas Mallon expresses some reservations regarding the novel’s familiarity but acknowledges Bainbridge’s keen observations and unique wit. Although not her most ambitious piece, it retains distinctive qualities characteristic of her literary voice.