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3.17 AVERAGE
3.17 AVERAGE
There is no requirement to be familiar with the Lucan tale, as the template is a familiar one: issues of class, debt, avarice, murder, disappearance etc. Spark utilises her keen eye for moral ambiguities to explore a complex web of chancers, cads and con artists very neatly. It is not the perfect book by any means – for example, the hasty ending is a little too contrived for my tastes – but there is enough substance (and black comedy) to keep the tale rollicking along and her simple, sharp writing style is a fantastic respite from the many overly ornamental and convoluted literary darlings that you find these days. Recommended.
3.5 - 4 stars
This one was a tad odd, but then again, isn't that true of Muriel Spark's writing?
I really liked the story, although there were moments when it seemed to drag a bit.
This one was a tad odd, but then again, isn't that true of Muriel Spark's writing?
I really liked the story, although there were moments when it seemed to drag a bit.
This is only the second Muriel Spark book I've read, but I find her writing delightful. Her sense of humor shines darkly. This one starts off with a psychiatrist who first makes her patients listen to her story. And the subtle layering and duplicity of her characters... (sigh)...
Without giving too much away, the story revolves around the true story of an earl who disappears after committing murder and attempted murder (he was aiming for his wife, mistook the nanny for her, then didn't have time to finish off his original target). Decades later he shows up at the shrink's office. Except she already has another patient claiming to be him! A fine web of deception--made possible by numerous aiders and abetters--ensues with the past quickly catching up to tangle the present.
Without giving too much away, the story revolves around the true story of an earl who disappears after committing murder and attempted murder (he was aiming for his wife, mistook the nanny for her, then didn't have time to finish off his original target). Decades later he shows up at the shrink's office. Except she already has another patient claiming to be him! A fine web of deception--made possible by numerous aiders and abetters--ensues with the past quickly catching up to tangle the present.
Having read a rather thorough accounting of, and investigation into, the "Lucky Lucan" murder case in Deborah Thompson's excellent book, I decided to read Muriel Spark's satirical novel on the same topic. A very different meditation on the same material.
Muriel Spark's second last book. I didn't find it memorable in any way.
How many times can aid- and abet- be used in a single novel?
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Aiding and Abetting is classic Spark in peak form. Absurdity wrapped in a shroud of comedy disguises real commentary on classism, patriarchy, and religion. The characters, stiff and rigid, serve as caricatures of the wealthy and self-consumed. If you enjoyed The Driver’s Seat this right up your alley.
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes