Första tankar.

I really appreciate the idea presented in this book. The numerous dilemmas of the characters, which intersect in various constellations, are quite engaging. In many ways, it is about being under another person's "spell" and how one deals with or exploits it. It is also, in many respects, about power in relationships with others.

However, I never really got into the language. It felt a bit rough around the edges, with a bit too much "telling" and very little that was painted naturally. There is something about the perspective. The all-knowing narrator is a bit too distant while at the same time knowing too much about the characters' thoughts, which I find difficult to empathize with. I want to empathize with the characters rather than be an observer.

I'm not entirely sure that I understand some of the characters' behavior at the end of the book. It would have been interesting to discuss it with someone. Misha's character is also almost exclusively seen through the eyes of others, which is interesting but also leaves a lot open for discussion.

Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.

I have an unwavering love for Iris Murdoch, and I am forever indebted to her for being such a highly productive writer. I constantly come across books written by her that I had no idea existed. I set them aside and then pick one up from time to time whenever I am in need of a Murdoch fix. "The Flight From the Enchanter" is the latest choice from my stack of precious books. Even though it is only her third book, the essence of Iris is evident everywhere.

Her characters are fully developed, each carrying the weight of their flaws, secrets, family attachments, resentments, and longings. These individuals are intertwined on multiple levels, and their individual stories combine to form a complex web from which no one can escape without experiencing pain and loss. Moreover, there is a significant amount of sex in the book, most of it being sad, disturbing, violent, indecent, and illegal. There is very little pleasure and certainly no joy.

This was an excellent read, and until I began writing this review, I was certain to give it 4 stars. However, I have to give it 3 stars. I adored this story for all the reasons mentioned above, and indeed, Iris' writing is as wonderful as ever. But upon looking back through the story, I am struck by the fact that the only character who lacks depth and personality is the titular Enchanter. Mischa Fox makes his first appearance rather late in the story. By that time, we are already aware of him, and we know that most of the characters have a very personal, mysterious, and unnerving past with him. All of them believe that their relationship with him is a secret shared only with Mischa Fox, all are desperate for it to remain a secret, and all think that their relationship is the most significant to him. But when we finally meet the infamous Mischa Fox, we learn very little about him, and he seems rather insignificant and boring. The influence he exerts depends on his histories with the other characters, but we never learn about those past relationships and experiences. We see how people react when they come face to face with him, but we already expected most of those moments. Why is the enchanter so damn enchanting? What part of his followers' souls does he hold, and what benefit is he extracting? I truly渴望 to know so much more. Hence, a rare 3 stars for Iris. (And yet, I do not regret a single minute of the reading time.)

I truly adored this captivating story that delved into the lives of Londoners during the 1950s.

The characters were so compelling that they seemed to leap off the page and into my imagination. The dialogue was nothing short of flawless, flowing naturally and adding depth to each interaction.

The scenes were beautifully word-painted, creating vivid images in my mind. At times, they were even hilarious, bringing a smile to my face.

Murdoch's writing was masterful, effortlessly holding the readers' undivided attention from start to finish.

My key takeaway from this story was the realization that women often found themselves as victims, doomed by the very men from whom they sought protection. It was a thought-provoking and poignant reminder of the power dynamics and inequalities that existed during that era.

This story not only entertained but also made me reflect on the social issues of the past and their relevance today.

A Fascinating Read

This piece is truly a captivating one. It manages to draw the reader in from the very start, leaving them eager to know more. The initial impression is that it holds a wealth of interesting information and ideas that are just waiting to be explored.

It has a certain charm and allure that makes it impossible to put down. One can't help but wonder what lies ahead in the fuller review that is promised to follow.

The brevity of this introduction only serves to heighten the anticipation. At 14.16, it seems to be just a teaser of what's to come, a tantalizing glimpse into a world of knowledge and entertainment.

It makes one eager to get their hands on the full review and discover all the details and nuances that this fascinating read has to offer.

Murdoch is truly a master when it comes to描绘 a delightfully cluttered room.

No one else can do it quite like she does. Her descriptions are like a fabulous romp through a world filled with vivid details and rich textures.

It's almost as if her words create a scene that is similar to Peter Greenaway's films, but with a certain warmth that makes it more inviting.

And yet, there is a hint of something less sadistic in her portrayal.

Perhaps it's the way she infuses the room with a sense of life and character, making it feel like a place that has stories to tell and memories to share.

Overall, Murdoch's ability to bring a cluttered room to life on the page is truly remarkable and a joy to experience.

As with many Murdoch novels, I found numerous events, characters, and themes to be rather interesting.

However, this book as a whole left me dissatisfied both during the reading process and at the conclusion.

There are several reasons for my dissatisfaction. Firstly, the novel had an excessive number of characters. So many were introduced at the beginning that I forgot who a particular character was. Although he was mentioned by others, he vanished from the scene for most of the book and only reappeared at the end. Even with this diverse range of characters, most are difficult to identify with and care about their fates.

Secondly, while Murdoch creates some incredibly interesting characters, they are at times overly fictional and act in unrealistic ways. This book seemed to have too many such characters, making the situations feel inappropriate.

Finally, this abundance of characters led to an overabundance of relationships and plots. A few of these were not adequately addressed in the ending resolutions. A plot that I was very interested in, involving intra-office politics and gender roles, was developed to a certain point and then left alone and resolved in a hasty manner.

While I did enjoy some of the events and situations that Murdoch presented here, I felt that the various plots and themes did not culminate in an overall satisfying novel. As always, though, I appreciated Murdoch's writing style and insights. I have rated it 3 stars as I would rank this somewhere in the lower half of the 18 Murdoch novels I have read.

This was Murdoch's second novel to be published.

However, the introduction here implies that it was probably the first one she wrote.

So, either way, it's pretty early in her career.

The novel is written in a realistic style.

But there's something slightly fantastic about some situations in the plot.

I've always found her novels entertaining so far.

And this one was no exception.

I would rate it four stars without any reservations.

Murdoch's writing in this novel showcases her early talent and ability to create engaging stories.

The combination of the realistic and the fantastic adds an interesting layer to the plot.

Readers are likely to be drawn into the story and enjoy the journey.

Overall, it's a great addition to Murdoch's body of work and a must-read for fans of her novels.

I'm currently at a stage in my exploration of Murdoch's works where I believe I can pick up one of her books and have a sense of what to anticipate. However, what I always anticipate is precisely the unexpected. And this book, "The Flight From the Enchanter," truly delivered on that front.

This novel showcases Murdoch's quintessential eccentricity. The central idea that one can never truly know anyone is interwoven throughout, along with a sprinkle of Wittgenstein's philosophy. The ending is such that it leaves the reader questioning what, if anything, any of the characters have actually learned.

We follow the characters as they find themselves enchanted and attempt to break free from various sources of enchantment - from men, from those in positions of power, from useless translations, from misogyny, from religion, and from this seemingly contemptible world. These characters drift about, lacking any semblance of self-assurance. Letting go of their enchantments and losing faith might be too much for all of them. Interestingly, how they manage to extricate themselves reveals more about their class status than their mental state.

The story is brutal and bleak, yet it is what it is. Fortunately, we have those delightfully wild and off-the-cuff Madcap Murdoch Moments™️ and her sharp wit to keep us engaged and reading on.

"Unfortunately she did not feel ill, but only extremely miserable." Indeed, Iris, you've hit the nail on the head.

I found this book a little bit confusing, and at times, I didn't really pay much attention to where the story was headed.

However, I absolutely adored the writing style. I firmly believe that Murdoch is truly amazing when it comes to describing the surroundings and the moods. The characters in the book were all quite distinct, which was a great aspect. But unfortunately, their motivations weren't always crystal clear to me.

The political aspect of the story was extremely interesting, yet also quite sad, especially when considering the current relationship between the UK and the E.U.

I think the ending was rather satisfying. It managed to bring the story more or less full circle. Perhaps I'll have to re-read this book in a year or so. By doing that, I might be able to gain a deeper understanding and see if I can extract anything more from it.

This book has its pros and cons, but overall, it has left a lasting impression on me.

I initially liked this a great deal. The story seemed to hold so much promise at the beginning, captivating my attention and making me eager to see where it would lead. However, as I approached the end, my feelings began to change. I found myself growing irritated and impatient, longing for it to be over already.

Nevertheless, it is impossible to deny that Murdoch is an incredibly talented writer. There are certain set pieces within the text that are extremely funny, bringing a smile to my face and lightening the mood. Additionally, there are elements of fable that add an interesting and unique dimension to the story.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Murdoch's writing is the prose itself. It is absolutely stunning, flowing smoothly and filled with arresting yet utterly convincing images. The psychological depth and complexity of the characters are also compelling, drawing the reader in and making them care about what happens to them. Overall, despite my mixed feelings towards the end, I cannot help but admire Murdoch's writing skills.

I don't have a personal acquaintance who has read Iris Murdoch's novels. This is her second novel, and it's only the second one that I have read. So far, I find her books to be refreshingly unique.

In this particular novel, she delves into the hold that a strong personality can have over others, depriving them of the freedom to live according to their own will.

Gradually, the reader comes to realize which character in the story is the enchanter. By that time, you have become so invested in the lives of several of his victims that you worry about them and are glad for each one's attempts to break free. Just like in her first novel, Under the Net, the characters here are extraordinary, with idiosyncrasies and strange behaviors, although many are depicted with a dark sense of humor. She juxtaposes the laughable characters with the admirable ones, so it is the tensions between the characters rather than the somewhat flimsy plot that drives the story and engages the reader.

The novel is set in 1950s London, among literary figures, early feminists, government officials, and immigrants. However, the moral theme of how much power an individual should give to another over one's life is universal. I found the book both moving and enjoyable.

It makes you think about the complex dynamics of human relationships and the importance of maintaining one's autonomy. Murdoch's writing style is engaging, and her characters are vividly brought to life.

Overall, it's a thought-provoking and entertaining read that I would recommend to others.