Bernice Rubens, British novelist, 76

LONDON -- Bernice Rubens, whose insightful, witty, sometimes dark novels drew on her own Jewish background, died Wednesday, The Guardian newspaper reported. She was 76.

Ms. Rubens's novels dealt realistically with subjects like murder and adultery, but they also displayed great humor and a sympathy with the characters.

Her fourth book, "The Elected Member" -- an exploration of the destructive potential of family relationships -- won Britain's Booker Prize for fiction in 1970.

Ms. Rubens produced 24 novels in all, making sure to write nearly every day. She also wrote and directed a number of documentaries.

Her last novel, "The Sergeant's Tale," was published in 2003. She had just completed her autobiography when she died.