- Paperback: 480 pages
- Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd; Reprint edition (26 Jan 1995)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0140243372
- ISBN-13: 978-0140243376
- Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,960,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio Cassette
This is a very powerful work by a mature author writing at the height of her powers. I disagree vehemently with the reviewer who believes this work to be confused: there is no suggestion that the novel is set in the 30's; the girls listen to and sing 30's songs, and it is clearly stated that do not watch television because they dislike it.
If you are looking for a good Murdoch novel from her mature period, this is a good choice. I believe it to be one of her best.
If you are looking for a good Murdoch novel from her mature period, this is a good choice. I believe it to be one of her best.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found this tale remarkable, full of magic, captivating. Murdoch's beautiful prose provides the spiritual warmth of a protective covering: harbouring innate Good, the essence of human relationships, from contaminating Evil, hiding in the shadows of conscious existence. Although I am a disbeliever of all things supernatural I found the religious precepts highly entertaining and intellectually stimulating (I would have benefited from a better understanding of Buddhism and Judaism). The characters (as in many Murdoch novels) are superbly constructed, engaging, complex personalities, their lives described with sublime humanity. The plot is engrossing, surreal on occasions, funny, high in anticipation and mystery. The story provides many fascinating insights into the nature of madness, religious obsession, the uniqueness of mutual love. Highlights include Father Damien's correspondence with Bellamy, the pet dog's trek across London (and its far reaching consequences), Moy's collection of stones, Mir's green umbrella, anything to do with Lucas (particularly his advice to Sefton). As suggested by the title, knowledge of the fourteenth century Middle English poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" may be useful. The book was a delight to read and another example of Murdoch's exceptional talent.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This being my first Iris Murdoch book I had absolutely no frame of reference/preconceived ideas to bring, but I greatly enjoyed it.
I'm sure that I missed many of the philosophical images and metaphors but it's certainly a book I'll re-read and research further (I'm currently reading the Conradi biography so maybe I'll understanding the inspiration behind the book further).
I thought that the characters worked well with each other and the plot lines did keep me guessing at some points. I disagree with one of the other reviewers in that I did find myself caring about the individuals and the issues surrounding them.
In summary I thought it was an honest presentation of the group dynamic of some real and imperfect individuals.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
overall an interesting read
It the first time since the 70s that I had bought a book by Iris M. I found it a different but interesting read . Read more
Published 15 months ago by stefanos athinas
Very confusing; Set in an unexplained time.
Upon first reading the timing is 1920/30 however Iris Murdoch touches upon subjects as diverse as AIDS and COMPUTERS - Therefore we are in present day. Read more
Published on 5 Feb 2002 by Piper
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