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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
First and foremost, I did not enjoy the novel. It was bland and dry and way too long, however, the story did resonate with me, and did induce a lot of thought. However, that might just be so as art usually invokes introspection, and might not be a special quality of the novel.
While I didn't enjoy the book, I loved the writing; Murdoch sure is able to paint beautifully with words. The behaviors of the characters and their flaws made me reflect upon my life therefore I feel that ultimately my lack of enjoyment boiled down to personal taste.
I very much enjoy novels with no plot, such as Norwegian wood and A portrait of the artist of a young man; two novels which I greatly enjoyed, however I saw no joy The sea, The sea, but I can understand why so many people praise it to such a high degree.
While I didn't enjoy the book, I loved the writing; Murdoch sure is able to paint beautifully with words. The behaviors of the characters and their flaws made me reflect upon my life therefore I feel that ultimately my lack of enjoyment boiled down to personal taste.
I very much enjoy novels with no plot, such as Norwegian wood and A portrait of the artist of a young man; two novels which I greatly enjoyed, however I saw no joy The sea, The sea, but I can understand why so many people praise it to such a high degree.
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m sure this would benefit from a second read, but…528 pages of a man stalking a woman and descending into paranoia is exhausting even if you know the author is saying something bigger about love and obsession.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
medium-paced
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
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
Did not found the story engaging but the writing was so beautiful that I couldn't stop reading. Charles fantasises in his own head and should have been an insufferable character, yet I couldn't help but like him. A very wordy book however
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really wanted to like this book, it took me ages to read because I sort of didn’t enjoy it. This is my first iris murdoch book, and because I own the bell I will read that one and hope for the best. maybe her letters. this is so painfully english and I live in England. this character is beyond insufferable (and I like anti-heroes a lot) and annoying it makes it hard to read. I wish it was more about the sea itself, its wonders etc. he’s literally delusional like
Not so much for the story but definitely for the superb writing. Fluid and compelling.