In the beginning, the story seemed rather uneven.

There were moments when it was truly hard to stand.

However, as it progressed, everything started to come together in a most unexpected way.

Strangely enough, it became memorable and fascinating.

The more I read, the more intrigued I was.

Now, I find myself with an overwhelming urge to read more of Iris Murdoch's works.

I want to explore the depths of her writing, to discover the unique perspectives and ideas she presents.

Her ability to create a story that initially seems disjointed but then weaves together so beautifully is truly remarkable.

I am eager to see what other literary gems she has in store for me.

I truly relished reading the novel.

It presents a story that is extremely rich and engaging. The composition of the characters is remarkable, each one being well-developed and adding depth to the overall narrative.

The narrative itself is intense, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

Moreover, the novel offers a deep and profound insight into contemporary issues that are still highly relevant and perhaps even more pressing in today's society. Issues such as deportations, threats, and illegal work are explored in a way that can make the reader stop and think.

These themes are presented in a manner that can freeze you, making you realize the gravity and complexity of these problems.

Overall, the novel is a captivating read that not only entertains but also makes you reflect on the world around us.

Flight From the Enchanter is a remarkable piece of writing by an emerging writer. However, the question that lingers is: what does it all signify?

I found myself posing the same query when I completed Under the Net last month. It appears that Murdoch favored penning set pieces that were loosely connected, featuring apparent randomness and bizarre coincidences. These set pieces were often exquisitely written. I shall never forget Annette swinging from the chandelier as she departs from formal education to commence the School of Life! Or, Annette once more making an international call, 'opening out telescopically, section after section.'

But what did Annette truly learn? Let alone any of the other characters.

Annette learned about the allure of fascination and sexual politics when they emerged in her syllabus. Yet, the lesson learned, or the solution to the muddle, seemed to lie in running back to her parents.

Rosa became embroiled in a sexual power play and a strange sort of cold war comic menace with the Polish brothers, Jan and Stefan.

John became ensnared in office politics and an early wave of feminist action. He had no inkling whatsoever of how to behave around women of any age. The sole reason someone as inept and pathetic as he was had 'achieved' as much as he had was due to the old boys club mentality.

Peter endured translator blues. He fretted about individual words and meanings and veered off on tangents. He was yet another ineffective man blundering along in search of a savior.

Nina was an outsider vulnerable to manipulation and being forgotten.

Mischa seemed to be the power base or the savior towards whom everyone else gravitated. He was mysterious and romantic, with his Continental connections and obscene wealth.

But I believe that Calvin was the true power behind the throne. He manipulated everyone, including Mischa. The real menace stemmed from his machinations. Was he being directed by Mischa? Perhaps, but I suspect he also took matters into his own hands to obtain what he desired. And he definitely did not want Mischa and Rosa to be together again.

Full review here - http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com.au/20...

**Title: The Importance of Recycling**

Recycling is of great significance in our modern society.

It helps to conserve natural resources. By recycling materials such as paper, plastic, and metal, we can reduce the need to extract and process new raw materials.

This not only saves energy but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with resource extraction.

For example, recycling paper can reduce deforestation, as fewer trees need to be cut down to produce new paper.

Moreover, recycling also plays a crucial role in reducing waste.

When we recycle, we divert waste from landfills, which helps to reduce the amount of space needed for waste disposal.

This is especially important in areas where landfill space is limited.

In addition, recycling can create jobs.

The recycling industry employs a significant number of people in areas such as collection, sorting, and processing of recycled materials.

Finally, recycling is a simple and easy way for individuals to make a positive impact on the environment.

By separating our waste and recycling as much as possible, we can all do our part to help create a more sustainable future.

Iris Murdoch possesses an unrivaled talent for immersing her characters in awkward and flabbergasting messes. Each character's dreadful and ill-advised decisions lead to unintended and often horrific consequences.

"The Flight from the Enchanter" showcases Murdoch at her finest in character-twisting. Annette, young and full of vitality, leaves school with the intention of experiencing the school of life. Despite facing two near-rapes, a ludicrous midnight (and half-naked) pursuit of a man old enough to be her father, and a foolish suicide attempt by taking antacid, Annette emerges no more worldly-wise. It is an unspoken rule in Murdoch's fictional world that youth, with its carelessness, is resilient. However, somewhere along the line, youth is broken. Rosa could be seen as a middle-aged Annette. The school of life has taken its toll on Rosa, and her compulsion towards pliable self-effacement and a series of ill-advised decisions have landed her in the middle of a complicated situation involving her brother. Her actions have horrific consequences, including the very real suicide of a minor character, not by antacid this time.

"The Flight from the Enchanter" serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected. Although the plot devices may verge on the melodramatic and thus not be entirely "realistic," they are best regarded as educational scenarios, a safe space to witness the repercussions of immoral or bad decisions. Murdoch is a moral writer, and her aim is not merely to provide entertainment but to show us what it means to lead a good life, perhaps mostly through negative examples. "The Flight from the Enchanter" can be read on multiple levels, and each level offers a rich and satisfying experience.

That does it...

Well, I have now completed the task of reading all of Murdoch's novels. And I find myself in a rather strange state, feeling a bit like many of her characters do, as if lost in a world that seems to lack redeeming features. At the moment, I'm halfway through a Le Carré novel (TTSS), but it doesn't have the same pull on me as Murdoch's works did. This might actually be a good thing, though. It gives me a chance to reflect on my reading preferences.

Anyway, any self-respecting review should have at least a few words about the book in question. If you're interested in delving into the inner workings of some complex characters, including what might drive them to do terrible things to one another, then you should definitely read "Flight". The descriptions of the people in the book, as well as their clothing (which is quite interesting), are up to Murdoch's usual high standards. Her ability to bring the characters and their world to life is truly remarkable.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other literary treasures await me in the future.

In post-war London, power is in a state of constant flux among a diverse group consisting mainly of middle-class privileged individuals.

At the core of the story is Rosa Keepe, the daughter of a suffragette and socialist. She is a part-owner of a radical women's journal, Artemis. She leaves her well-meaning but ineffective brother, Hunter, to edit the journal while she takes a job in a factory.

Rosa remains captivated by her ex, Mischa Fox, a wealthy and powerful media mogul. It turns out that Mischa is quietly and mysteriously meddling in the lives of many people, especially women.

Living with Rosa and Hunter is 19-year-old Annette, the rebellious daughter of Rosa's friend, Marcia. Annette's wild adventures lead her into dangerous situations.

Like a 20th-century Dickens novel, their extensive circle includes the bookish history researcher Peter Saward, Mischa Fox's right-hand man Calvin Blick, the misogynistic civil servant John Rainborough, his intelligent and ambitious colleague Agnes Casement, dressmaker Nina, former suffragette Mrs Wingfield and her companion Miss Foy, and Polish brothers Jan and Stefan Lusiewicz.

As Mischa, the enchanter, continues to silently exert his influence behind the scenes, the book exposes the ever-changing hierarchies of power among all the characters, which are based on factors such as gender, class, money, physicality, intelligence, and cunning.

Is this what they call English pantomime? Surely it seemed like the first draft of a promising novel.

Although it anticipated the outcomes of some characters, the feeling was that anything could happen from one chapter to the next, and this is what drove the reading.

The story had an air of mystery and unpredictability that kept the reader engaged.

Each new development brought with it a sense of excitement and anticipation.

It was as if the author was playing a game with the reader, constantly teasing and surprising.

Despite the early revelations, there was still enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.

The characters were well-drawn and the setting was vividly described, adding to the overall atmosphere of the story.

Overall, it was a captivating read that left the reader eager for more.

Really interesting,

This statement holds true for a wide variety of things in life. It could refer to a captivating book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, a unique piece of art that makes you stop and stare, or an engaging conversation that leaves you with new perspectives. The element of interest adds excitement and curiosity to our experiences.

Occasionally disquieting,

However, not everything that is interesting is entirely comfortable. There are times when something can be both fascinating and a little bit unsettling. It might be a thought-provoking movie that challenges your beliefs or a strange phenomenon that you can't quite explain. This disquiet can make us question and think deeper, but it can also cause a bit of unease.

And funny,

On the other hand, humor has the power to lighten the mood and bring joy. A good joke, a hilarious sitcom, or a witty comment can make us burst out laughing and forget about our worries for a moment. Laughter is truly the best medicine, and it can add a touch of levity to even the most interesting and disquieting situations. In conclusion, the combination of being really interesting, occasionally disquieting, and funny makes for a rich and diverse life experience.

The story had less fantasy than I had initially hoped for.

It was rather disappointing in that regard. As I got closer to the end, it began to irritate me.

I had high expectations, especially considering that Murdoch is widely regarded as a great writer.

However, the ending really let me down.

It felt rushed and didn't live up to the build-up throughout the rest of the narrative.

I had been looking forward to a more magical and captivating conclusion, but unfortunately, that wasn't what I got.

Despite Murdoch's reputation, this particular work didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Perhaps it was my own overly optimistic anticipation, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of dissatisfaction with how it all ended.

Nonetheless, I still respect Murdoch's talent and will likely give other works of his a chance in the future.

I recently discovered her on YouTube, and it was truly an eye-opening experience.

Since then, I have made a commitment to read at least 5 of her books. However, I have to admit that she is rather difficult for me to understand.

Her unique style, which combines philosophy and literature, is both captivating and challenging. On one hand, I really enjoy the profound insights and intellectual stimulation that her works offer.

On the other hand, I often get bored with her numerous descriptions, and it becomes hard for me to keep track of her many characters.

Although each of her books features different characters, I still manage to get them confused. Nevertheless, I must say that she makes me think deeply, and I guess that's what makes reading her worth the time.

After all, in my retirement, I have plenty of time to invest in such literary pursuits. I look forward to delving deeper into her works and uncovering the hidden gems that lie within.

Iris Murdoch seems incapable of writing a bad novel. However, there is still a hierarchy among her works. This particular novel is at the very top.

It centres around an amorphous yet extremely powerful figure. The story showcases the careful working out of the lives of those around him. Just like all her novels, it grapples with profound philosophical questions. But in this one, it manages to do so deftly and through the medium of strong and vivid characters.

The characters are so well-developed that they come alive on the pages, making the readers deeply invested in their fates. The philosophical inquiries are presented in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible. It is truly a marvellous work that showcases Murdoch's incredible talent as a novelist.

Her ability to create complex characters and explore deep philosophical themes simultaneously is what sets this novel apart and makes it a must-read for any lover of literature.