Bernice Rubens, 76; Novelist Was Winner of ’70 Booker Prize

Bernice Rubens, 76, the Booker Prize-winning British writer whose insightful, witty and sometimes dark novels drew on her Jewish upbringing, died Wednesday in London, British newspapers reported. The cause of death was not revealed.

Rubens’ novels dealt realistically with subjects that included murder and adultery, but they also displayed great humor and sympathy with the characters.

Her fourth book, “The Elected Member,” was an exploration of the destructive potential of family relationships. It won the Booker Prize in 1970.

Her 1962 novel, “Madame Sousatzka,” was the story of a colorful piano teacher and her relationship with a prodigy. It was adapted into a film in the 1980s with Shirley MacLaine in the title role.

Rubens produced 24 novels and also directed a number of documentaries, including one about the parents of children with disabilities.

A native of Cardiff, Wales, Rubens graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in English literature. She later taught school in Birmingham, England.