The Bottle Factory Outing

The Bottle Factory Outing cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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Technical
  • ID: 10544
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • ISBN: 9780748125746
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-09-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge is a riveting novel that delves into the lives of Freda and Brenda, two women working in an Italian-run wine-bottling factory. The story takes a darkly comic turn when a work outing promises freedom for Freda and terror for Brenda, leading to a day of high passions and irreversible changes. Inspired by Bainbridge's own experiences in the 1970s, the novel examines the complexities of friendship and consent, making it a timelier read than ever. This offbeat, haunting yet hilarious novel has been praised for its unique blend of humor and horror. Short-listed for the Booker Prize and named one of the greatest novels of all time by The Observer, it offers a dazzling exploration of human relationships and the unpredictable nature of life. Readers will be captivated by Bainbridge's sharp wit and profound insights, making this a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Reviews
JacquiWine's Blog · 2020-04-28
unsettling 4.20

The novel combines the sharpness of Carla Lane's writing with the savagery of Spark's worldview. It is a darkly humorous and deeply unsettling exploration of human relationships.

JacquiWine's review of The Bottle Factory Outing highlights the novel's unique blend of sharp wit and dark savagery. They note that the novel's humour is often undercut by a sense of unease, creating a deeply unsettling reading experience. The review suggests that the novel's strength lies in its exploration of human relationships, particularly the complex dynamics between the two main characters. They also appreciate the author's ability to blend the mundane with the extraordinary, creating a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling. Overall, the review portrays the novel as a darkly humorous and deeply unsettling exploration of life's complexities.


Quick quotes

    It's a great description as the novel has something of both the sharpness of Carla Lane's writing and the savagery of Spark's worldview.

    The novel's humour is often undercut by a sense of unease.

    It is a deeply unsettling exploration of human relationships.

BookerTalk · 2019-08-26
poignant 4.00

The novel is a poignant and offbeat exploration of friendship and the human condition. The humour is mingled with a sense of melancholy, making it a unique and memorable read.

BookerTalk's review of The Bottle Factory Outing emphasizes the novel's offbeat yet poignant nature. They note that Bainbridge's humour is intertwined with a sense of melancholy, creating a unique and memorable reading experience. The review suggests that the novel's strength lies in its exploration of friendship and the human condition, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read. They also appreciate the author's ability to blend the mundane with the extraordinary, creating a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling. Overall, the review portrays the novel as a poignant and offbeat exploration of life's complexities.


Quick quotes

    The Bottle Factory Outing is a novel inspired by Bainbridge's own experience of working in a bottling plant.

    At times offbeat, the humour is mingled with a sense of melancholy.

    It is a unique and memorable reading experience.

The Guardian · 2016-10-18
brilliant 4.50

The novel showcases Bainbridge's masterful control of her craft, with a restrained yet impactful narrative. It is a short but brilliant exploration of human relationships and the mundane turned unsettling.

The Guardian's review highlights the unsettling brilliance of Beryl Bainbridge's novel. They praise the author's masterful restraint, noting how her precise sentences reveal a deep understanding of her characters and their environments. The review suggests that the book's strength lies in its ability to turn the ordinary into something unsettling, making it a compelling read. They also appreciate the unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged throughout. Overall, the review portrays the novel as a short but impactful piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression.


Quick quotes

    The masterful restraint of Beryl Bainbridge's sentences reveals an author in complete control of her artistry.

    The book itself displays unexpected brilliance.

    It is a short but unsettling exploration of human relationships.