Admittedly, this wasn't my favorite Murdoch novel. However, it was still very entertaining, with skillful philosophical undertones. It delved into various aspects such as one's identity, civility, youth, sense of ownership, the meaning of being in love, whether love is truly important, if anything is more important, how growing old and growing up change one's perception of the world, and so much more.

Much of the narrative was propelled by gossip, which served as a fun mechanism for driving the story. (Although this might be a poor choice of words for those who are more discerning.) The spliced epistolary chapters were at times confusing due to the wide social net cast by the characters, but ultimately they were very charming.

Rather than going on and on, I'll end with one of my favorite passages: "Because a child could step into the road and die, there was a certain way in which it was necessary to live. The connections were there, a secret logic in the world as relentlessly necessary as a mathematical system. Perhaps for God, it was a mathematical system, the magnetism of whose necessity touching the here and now was felt as emotion, as passion. He had recognized, at times, that touch and trembled at its awful certainty, being sure that he could not now be otherwise contented. It was an eternal doom. These deaths were merely signs, accidental signs even. They were not starting points or end points. What lay before him was the system itself. What burnt him was a necessity which was the same throughout. But could this searing darkness be for him other than an experience? Was this his fallen state? Was this every man's fallen state? Experience was impure and inextricably mingled with delusion. Even words, tormented to the utmost, retained that haziness and warmth without which perhaps poor humans cannot live. Yet what was action without these? Could one go on in the dark after meaning had died? Absolute contradiction seemed at the heart of things, and yet the system was there, the secret logic of the world, its only logic, its only sense."

This passage really makes one stop and think about the deeper meanings and mysteries of life. It shows how Murdoch's writing can touch on profound philosophical ideas in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, while this may not have been my absolute favorite of her novels, it still had many aspects that made it a worthwhile read.

In the charming landscapes of England, a captivating and rambling story unfolds. There are numerous personalities that inhabit this narrative, each adding their own unique flavor. Ludwig, a mysterious and enigmatic figure, moves through the scenes with an air of quiet confidence. Austin, on the other hand, is boisterous and full of life, always ready with a witty remark or a grand gesture. Matthew, too, plays an important role, his calm and collected nature serving as a counterbalance to the more flamboyant characters.

As the story weaves its way through the English countryside, these personalities interact and clash, creating a tapestry of emotions and experiences. There are moments of joy and laughter, as well as times of sadness and heartbreak. Through it all, the characters learn and grow, each one finding their own path in this ever-changing world.

This rambling story in England is a testament to the power of human connection and the beauty of a well-told tale. It invites readers to step into a world filled with unforgettable characters and embark on a journey that will leave them both entertained and enlightened.

A complex book is presented here, filled with a plethora of characters. Strangely, not a single one of them can be considered both sane and likeable. In fact, many of them lack both these qualities! There isn't a solitary main character, nor even a main plot. However, numerous events occur within the pages, which has the power to keep you engaged and reading. On the other hand, in some aspects, it seems as if nothing truly significant happens, which can be rather frustrating.

The book is an odd blend of conventional narrative, sections of correspondence, and rapid-fire unattributed and disjointed dialogues at parties. The latter two styles give the impression of being shortcuts to progress the story. Additionally, I found the repeated use of "someone and me" to be annoyingly distracting.
Overall, it feels quite experimental. But, similar to many of Murdoch's books, there is a significant Svengaliesque figure. In this particular case, one could argue that there is more than one such figure. However, as a reader, I struggled to become ensnared in their web or truly fathom why others did.
I did enjoy the book, yet I find it difficult to precisely identify the reason why.

This complex and experimental work keeps the reader on their toes, constantly intrigued and yet sometimes frustrated by its unconventional nature. The various elements, from the diverse characters to the unique narrative styles, combine to create a reading experience that is both engaging and perplexing.

It makes you question what you expect from a book and challenges you to look beyond the traditional norms of storytelling.

Despite its flaws, there is something about it that keeps drawing you back in, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

FICTION REVIEWS: AN ACCIDENTAL MAN

In the novel An Accidental Man, the story of a contemporary London family is vividly narrated.

Within this family, there are intense frictions and few happy moments. These are not caused by external forces but by internal factors.

The members of this family seem to be lost in their own worlds, lacking communication and understanding.

PHILOSOPHICAL REVIEWS: AN ACCIDENTAL MAN

This novel portrays the life of a family living in a chaotic London. The family members are egoistic, and there is a lack of redemption.

They live in a wild state, without ideals or common goals. The result is the destruction of their humanity, except for one character, Ludwig.

Ludwig, an American boy who won a scholarship and lives in Oxford, wants to stay in the UK and marry Gracie to avoid being drafted into the Vietnam War.

He is not a selfish or cowardly person, but his existence is consumed by dilemmas and his firm determination not to become an instrument of death.

These are noble principles, but it is also true that he lives in a community with specific rules to safeguard its existence, freedom, and well-being.

Sir Matthew Gibson Grey, Austin's brother, is a moral agent, a man of principle and solidarity towards the good.

His brother Austin, on the other hand, is a devil figure, the exact opposite of his brother. He is a failed man full of hatred and resentment, not assuming any responsibility.

He firmly believes that he is a victim of fate and therefore not responsible for his actions, but blames others.

LITERARY CRITICISM: AN ACCIDENTAL MAN

This story is set in contemporary London, where a family lives with a large number of characters related by family or acquaintance.

The omniscient narrator tells us the vicissitudes of a family in disarray.

The tone is dramatic and intense, as if there is no way out. The characters are consumed by their irresponsibility and selfishness.

The protagonist, Austin Gibson Grey, is the Accidental Man, a devilish personage who believes he is not responsible for his actions and is a victim of fate.

The antagonist is his brother, Sir Matthew Gibson Grey, who firmly believes in his ideals to the extent of being arrested in Moscow for showing solidarity with the protesters.

Garth Gibson Grey, in New York City, witnesses a stabbing but does nothing despite the victim's explicit request for help and feels no remorse.

Ludwig Leferrier, a young American boy who won a scholarship at the University of Oxford, wants to marry Gracie and stay in the UK to avoid being enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War.

He is torn by a dilemma: what price to pay for ideals or is it just selfishness disguised as ideals?

The novel explores themes of morality, responsibility, and the human condition in a thought-provoking way.

Geweldig Murdock is a remarkable story that features a captivating plot filled with human weaknesses.

The narrative takes readers on a thrilling journey, exploring the depths of human nature. We witness the characters grappling with their own flaws and insecurities, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story.

The plot twists and turns, keeping us on the edge of our seats, as we wonder how the characters will overcome their weaknesses and emerge victorious.

Geweldig Murdock is not just a story; it is a reflection of our own lives, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and the power of redemption.

It reminds us that no matter how flawed we may be, there is always hope for change and growth.

This engaging tale is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, making them think about their own human weaknesses and how they can strive to become better versions of themselves.

This statement implies that the work in question is not of the highest quality typically associated with Murdoch, yet the person expressing this still has a certain level of fondness for it.

Perhaps it belongs to the category of her seedier books. It makes one wonder what exactly makes a book "seedy" in the context of Murdoch's works. Is it the subject matter, the tone, or some other aspect?

Maybe this particular book delves into darker or more controversial themes compared to her more renowned and highly regarded works.

It could also suggest that the writing style or narrative structure is a bit more unorthodox or less refined.

Nevertheless, the fact that the person liked it despite its supposed "seediness" indicates that there must be something about it that appealed to them on a personal level.

It might have had a certain charm or allure that outweighed its perceived flaws or shortcomings.

In conclusion, while this book may not be considered among Murdoch's top-shelf offerings, it still managed to find an appreciative audience in at least one person.

Thankfully, I already have read and loved books by Murdoch. Otherwise, I might have set this book down after the first third.

The problems and relations of the large web of characters initially seemed frivolous. However, in line with her other work, Murdoch's characters expand from an initial glimpse. They become full of their own depth, charm, and contradictions.

As the story progresses, it reveals the mysticism, questions, and accidents that guide their lives. We slowly become absorbed into their world, much like we would if we were encountering a similar group in reality.

A main theme is when it's proper to interfere or interact with individuals and the often dire consequences of not wanting to get too involved in another's affairs. Shamefully, this reflects my own reluctance to read a book like this.

But I'm glad that I have, and only wish I could share the particular story of the vampiric and well-written "accidental man" with my younger self. It's a tale that has truly opened my eyes and made me appreciate the complexity of human nature and the power of a well-told story.

In the novels of Iris Murdoch, there are numerous pitfalls and aberrations. However, ultimately, there is a striving for grace. While human beings struggle, grace does seem to be the special providence of animals.

In "An Accidental Man", Murdoch writes about a dog newly named Pyrrhus, who was acquired from the Battersea Dog's Home.

Pyrrhus's lot had always been with couples who fought and parted, abandoning him on motorways, on lonely moors, and on city street corners. He had been called Sammy, then Raffles, and then Bobo. He had only just learned his new name.

He heard the familiar sounds of dispute, the cries, and the tears, and he sagged his tail with entreaty. A virtuous and affectionate nature, along with the generous nobility of his race, had preserved him from neurosis despite his sufferings. He had not a scrap of spite in his temperament. He thought of anger as a disease of the human race and as a dread sign for himself.

Murdoch's description of Pyrrhus highlights the contrast between the turmoil and imperfection of human relationships and the purity and grace that can be found in animals. The dog's ability to remain kind and affectionate despite his difficult experiences serves as a reminder of the potential for grace and goodness that exists within all of us.

The story unfolds within an incestuous upper middle class English family. They have a wide circle of friends, and among them is an imposter named Ludwig.

Ludwig is a scholarly American who, by some twist of fate, was accidentally born in Great Britain. In an attempt to avoid the draft for the Vietnam War, he has chosen to remain in his parent's adopted country.

As the story progresses, we are drawn into the complex web of relationships within the family and among their friends. The presence of Ludwig adds an element of mystery and intrigue.

We witness the family's secrets and scandals slowly come to light, and Ludwig's true identity and motives are gradually revealed.

It is a tale of love, lust, deception, and the consequences that come with living a life full of lies.

The story takes us on a journey through the upper echelons of English society, exposing the dark underbelly that lies beneath the surface of wealth and privilege.

As we reach the end, we are left with a sense of both shock and satisfaction, having witnessed the downfall of those who thought they were above the law.

A deeply cynical novel presents a cast of characters, the majority of whom are despicable or hypocritical. However, it also manages to be fairly realistic. People of such nature can be found everywhere. Murdoch's writing skillfully achieves the perfect balance of wit and subtle critique. This balance keeps the reader engaged and eager to continue reading about the characters.

The finale of the novel was very fitting. It was extremely bleak, which added to the overall atmosphere and impact of the story. Despite its darkness, it was a good book that left a lasting impression on the reader.

This is a very unusual book.

There are many characters (and no common single main character), related in a certain way. As the story progresses, they, like chess pieces, are constantly moving. Not only in a spatial sense, but also in terms of interrelationships - that is, some connections are broken or seem to be broken and new ones appear, but the old ones, as it turns out, don't go away. In the end, it becomes a tangle or a network (perhaps this analogy occurred to me because of the title of another Murdoch novel - "Under the Net").

Near the end of the novel, almost all pairs have been mixed and "established new connections". It should also be noted that the characters are of different age levels. We are described "now", but there are clear hints of a complicated "past", and at the end of the book, there is an explicit indication of an equally complicated future involving a new growing generation.

In the process of reading, many questions arise for oneself: compassion, kindness, participation or egoism, fear, fleeing from reality and oneself? Where does one end and the other begin, and is it all really one? Separately, the amazing style of writing should be noted. Just look at the letters of the characters or the social chatter at receptions - how in just a few lines the character and essence of the characters can be conveyed! However, with all the deceptively easy storytelling, there is a risk of missing the main questions, and in the excitement of the plot, postponing their consideration until later, but "later" may not be possible, and one will have to reread. Which is what I plan to do someday.

This book was truly something to read.

The author has masterfully crafted some extremely complex characters. They are a diverse bunch, with some being crazy, others funny, and yet others sad. At times, they can be oh so depressing that you just can't help but want to jump right into the book and give them a good shake.

It is a rather long book, consisting of four hundred and forty two pages. This allows the author to fully develop the story and the characters, delving deep into their personalities and the various situations they find themselves in.

Despite its length, the book never feels dull or拖沓. The engaging storyline and the well-developed characters keep you hooked from start to finish. It is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.

Overall, it is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a book that will take them on an emotional rollercoaster.