A review by monkeelino
The Sea, the Sea by Iris Murdoch

5.0

James Arrowby decides to “repent of egoism” by writing autobiographically. He seems relieved that retirement has afforded him the time he needs to think about himself. And so Murdoch launches us off with one of the most interesting introspective voyages in literature. Our charming narrator has a penchant for delightfully odd-but-faux-sophisticated culinary advice. His certainty wins one over in such a way that ownership of his unreliability transfers to the reader. Despite stepping away from the stage, the drama is anything but over. He presents us with a carefully controlled history that comes back to haunt and unravel him as former colleagues, lovers, and friends seek out his reclusive seaside retirement dwelling. As he loses control of the tale, the past writes the present, and Arrowby frantically grasps for explanations as he attempts to woo the long lost “love of his life.”

This is the only Murdoch I’ve read, so I don’t know how it compares to her other works but it excels on so many levels. I found it to be a deep, moving, hilarious, page-turning, charming, and utterly engaging experience.
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WORDS I LEARNED WHILE READING THIS BOOK
couchant | mackintosh | sursis | hyoshigi | kedgeree | coley | sibilant | guillemots | crepitating | charwoman