» Thinking woman
Ralph Miller spoke to Joan Bakewell about freedom of speech and becoming an author at 75
Joan Bakewell has had a diverse career. Famously dubbed the ‘thinking man’s crumpet’ by comedian Frank Muir, much to her annoyance – she has had a successful broadcasting career working on a number of cultural shows. In 2001 she challenged taboos on BBC TV by reading a controversial poem about a Roman soldier’s desires for Jesus. She now has the more austere role as the spokesperson for the elderly and writes as a commentator in the Times. Her first novel All the Nice Girls depicts a wartime girl’s school and the relationships that occur after the school adopts a naval ship.
Why did you become a novelist now?
Because if I didn’t do it now, it would be too late! I’ve always wanted to and I got distracted by television and my career, but now I don’t do much television, I thought it would be a good chance to have a go at last. I found it very interesting and very difficult. I’m full of admiration for those who do it.
Is the novel autobiographical?
Only the part about the school.
From your book, I get the sense that there was a sort of excitement from that period.
There was an excitement because you’re at war. You were very frightened, but also you’re determined to live life because who knows whether you’ll survive. It does give people a sense of exhilaration, however deplorable it is, but I hope I don’t celebrate war.
“You’re determined to live life to the full because who knows whether you’ll survive”
I get the impression that it was an especially liberating period for the female characters.
Yes. Wars are liberating for women, because the men go off to fight and the women have to do everything else. So women took jobs they weren’t used to doing.
How has the book been received so far?
The people who’ve read it seem to like it. I think a lot of them find it very romantic and some people have said that the ending gave them a lump in their throat, which is very nice.
Is there a characteristic to being an author?
I think you have to be thoughtful and honest about your emotions. I like people who are honest with themselves, so I do like their company. They’re often well-read, so there’s lots to talk about, I enjoy talking about books.
What else are you up to?
I’m about to do a series for Radio 4 in the summer. I’m also about to do a Radio 3 series at Easter and then I’m going to think about the next novel. It won’t be set in the present. I don’t understand the present society well enough. So it will probably be set in the past, but not too distant past.
What’s it like being a role model?
That’s for other people to say. I have a lot of letters and meetings about older people and I find that interesting, I write about them, but I don’t think of myself in any of the ways you indicate. I just get on with my life.
What do you think of women on TV today?
Well it’s amazing, the range is great. You get everyone from Kirsty Wark to Claudia Winkleman.Those two terrors, Trinny and Susannah. You’ve got Delia who’s been and gone, you’ve got the newcomers. The women I admire the most are those out doing current affairs in the refugee camps and the battlegrounds. I’m just delighted to see how well they’re all doing.
You became a Dame last year. Is royal recognition important to you?
Well, it’s very flattering. You just felt pleased. It’s just nice that somebody noticed.
You came into trouble with the programme Taboo in 2001, what do you think about the state of freedom of speech in the UK today?
Well, I think it’s threatened! There are laws that are quite inhibiting for people who want to speak their minds.
What has been the highlight of your career?
Oh my goodness, I can’t begin to imagine! I don’t really know, it’s been so varied.
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
To go on writing, not to be cut short, that’s an ambition. There aren’t really any others.
Joan Bakewell will discuss All the Nice Girls at the Old Market, Hove on Tuesday 17 March at 6.30pm. Tickets: £6 including a glass of wine. Call 01273 736222.
