Tough novelists ~ Iris Murdoch's The Unicorn

[WhisperTree]

Having decided to explore British and Irish women novelists (midcentury to present) known for their tough, unsentimental style, I asked for recommendations on this forum and Iris Murdoch’s name came up. Fortunately, I already have lots of her books, so I’ve decided to re-read The Unicorn. Anyone up for a read-along and discussion?

badum tish 🔔

I also think of her as a young person's author, at least fiction-wise.

Haven't made my mind up about whether that holds up - 50 pages of The Unicorn left!

I finished it last night. Obviously will avoid spoilers but although I remembered certain parts of the book, I didn't remember the ending at all.

Oh well done you! I'm catching up.

The bog sequence really struck me first time around, and it held up this time IMO.

Looking forward to sharing reflections with you! It's been a challenging week, but I'm nearly there.

I managed to get down some thoughts about The Unicorn, and Murdoch's style.

The verdict on whether she'd rank among the toughest British & Irish women novelists circa midcentury to the present?

Early days, but she's in with a chance!

My copy is still in bloody transit from one library to another. I think I might give up

That's taking rather a long time for you.

Never mind. The posts will still be here when you've had time to read your library copy.

Happy reading (eventually) 📖

I love Iris Murdoch's novels - joining for the chat!

Lovely! I'll be getting round to The Sea, The Sea soon(ish)...