In this complex novel, there is an abundance of characters, and the connections among them are, at times, remarkably subtle.

I truly relished this story that is set not only in Kate and Octavian Gray's seaside summer house but also in London.

Is it a murder mystery? Or perhaps a tale about black magic? Or maybe it delves into the realm of relationships? The book clearly showcases how love can present itself in diverse manners.

A central theme is the differentiation between being nice and being good. Additionally, selfishness emerges as a prominent theme.

I earnestly hope that one day, someone will bring this entertaining story to the big screen in the form of a film!

It would be fascinating to see how the complex characters and their intricate relationships are translated onto the silver screen, and how the various themes are explored and visualized.

The setting of the seaside summer house and London could also add a touch of charm and atmosphere to the film.

Overall, this novel has the potential to make a captivating and engaging film that would appeal to a wide audience.

The statement "Juicy and provocative but a little on the overdetermined side" presents an interesting perspective.

On one hand, something being juicy and provocative implies that it has an alluring quality that can capture one's attention and curiosity. It may be filled with exciting details or ideas that make it stand out.

However, the mention of being a little on the overdetermined side suggests that perhaps there is an excess or an overabundance of something. This could mean that there are too many factors or elements at play, which might cause the overall effect to be a bit overwhelming or perhaps even lose some of its intended impact.

In conclusion, while the combination of juiciness and provocativeness can be吸引人, the presence of an overdetermined aspect needs to be carefully considered to ensure that the overall experience remains engaging and not overly burdensome.

It is a delicate balance that requires attention and perhaps some fine-tuning to achieve the optimal result.

Although the beginning of the book was somehow boring, it ultimately turned out to be pretty great.

This is the first book of Iris Murdoch that I have read, and I was truly impressed by the way she portrayed the characters.

She paid attention to so many details, which made the characters come alive on the page.

The result was a rich and engaging story that kept me hooked from start to finish.

I can't wait to read more of her works and see what other wonderful stories she has to tell.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written and thought-provoking novel.

I found it pretty tedious until I got to chapter 13.

At that point, something magical happened. I suddenly got very excited and deeply interested in where the book was going.

The story seemed to take on a new life, and I couldn't wait to turn the pages and see what would unfold.

However, then it all fell apart at the end.

All of a sudden, all the characters got married and lived happily ever after. I was completely shocked and thought, 'What the hell is happening here?'

Literature, in my opinion, isn't supposed to end with all these overly happy endings. It felt too simplistic and untrue to life.

Maybe Iris was in a romantic mood when she wrote the last 100 pages, but I thought it was pretty god-damn lovey-dovey. It didn't have the depth and complexity that I was hoping for.

I was left feeling a bit disappointed and let down by the conclusion of the book.

Sadly, a significant number of remarkable books from the late 50s to the late 60s have been consigned to oblivion. This is because their authors have fallen out of fashion. This is especially true for many women authors, who are often regarded as out-of-touch or old-fashioned.

I would contend that Margaret Drabble's feminism is timeless and in line with contemporary publications, but this review is not about her. This trend only changes sporadically with reissues or film adaptations, and I don't think it's enough. The film "Iris" starring Dame Judi Dench briefly revived interest in Iris Murdoch, but it was short-lived.

I have always been fond of Iris Murdoch's books. I consider her to be very Shakespearean, with multiple storylines leading to a great, dramatic epiphany for the characters, especially in terms of romantic and/or sexual relationships. The partner they begin with is not necessarily the one they end up with, and they may overreach and come up empty-handed.

"The Nice and the Good" can be most closely compared to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as the characters seem to wander around in confusion and with mixed emotions, all centered around the beach home of Kate and Octavian. However, the book actually begins with an inexplicable suicide in Octavian's office. A manager, whom no one seemed to know well, shoots himself. While in the Shakespeare play, no one takes their own life, this thread adds a somewhat tragicomic element to the entire story. There is no Puck here either, but there is a dramatic event that effectively snaps everyone out of the spell they have been under, and they all (hopefully) live happily ever after.

I didn't rate this book a "5" because I thought some of the ending was a bit too simplistic. It was as if Murdoch couldn't maintain a complex ruse to bring some of the final pairings and resolutions to a conclusion, as if there was a limit to the number of pages she could write. But Shakespeare did the same thing, so I can't be too critical! This is an England that no longer exists, so the characters may seem a bit naïve, and class-consciousness may have taken on a different form now. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and hope to continue reading Iris Murdoch. (That's no problem: the woman was extremely productive!)

A lifestyle belonging to a bygone era, not overly distant in time, yet people remain people at their core.

The reader is acutely aware of the variance in pace, perhaps due to the sleepy summer setting that pervades most of the book.

There is a sense of middle-aged individuals grappling with teenage angst alongside the youngsters, which adds an interesting layer to the narrative.

Moreover, I felt that it had an ending that was markedly different from what one might anticipate from 21st-century novels with comparable plots.

This divergence in the conclusion gives the story a unique charm and makes it stand out from the crowd.

It leaves the reader with a sense of surprise and a new perspective on how stories can unfold.

The combination of the distinct lifestyle, the shared angst, and the unexpected ending makes this book a captivating read that transports the reader to a different time and place.

I'm an Iris Murdoch sycophant, so there's almost no reason to write a review.

The Nice and The Good stands among her best works. It's another novel that delves into the British middle classes in the 70s. This time, it incorporates elements of political intrigue, mysterious cults, and numerous affairs.

However, like many of her books, it explores themes of loneliness, relationships, and in this particular case, childhood. Iris Murdoch exquisitely defines each character and relationship. She has a penchant for relationships in transition.

She is sometimes described as cold-hearted, but I believe she is simply attuned to the absurdity, the emotional brutality, and of course, the uncertainty that are all inherent in love affairs.

This novel, as is the case with many of Murdoch's books, leans towards the fun side and at times is absurdly hilarious. She is truly remarkable!

Her ability to craft complex characters and intricate plots is second to none. The Nice and The Good is a must-read for any fan of Iris Murdoch or those interested in exploring the human condition through literature.

It offers a unique perspective on the 70s and the challenges and joys of relationships.

Overall, it's a wonderful addition to the Murdoch canon and a testament to her literary genius.

Excellent characters and plot. This is by far the best of Murdoch's character studies. The character of John Ducane is truly excellent, and I am eager to know more about his story. Murdoch's genius is simply spellbinding. Her ability to create such complex and engaging characters is remarkable. Each character in her works seems to have a life of their own, with their own motives, desires, and flaws. The plot of this particular work is also very well-crafted, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories and masterful writing.

Theo had begun to catch a glimpse of the vast distance that separates the nice from the good. The very vision of this yawning gap had sent shivers down his soul and filled him with terror.

Here, on the penultimate page, lies the sentence that truly encapsulates the entire essence of the book. Throughout its pages, we witness a diverse cast of characters. Some strive to be good, yet find themselves feeling unfulfilled. Others attempt to be merely 'nice', but ultimately fail to achieve true goodness. Set against the thrilling backdrop of a Whitehall mystery, intertwined with elements of murder and the occult, we have 'The Nice and the Good'.

The message it conveys may not be overly inflammatory. However, what Iris Murdoch does so masterfully is to shine a spotlight on a particular group of people and deeply explore how each individual grapples with the perplexing conundrum of choosing between being 'nice' or 'good'. Some opt to be simply 'nice' - entertaining, pleasant companions, but ultimately shallow and self-centered. Meanwhile, others make the arduous attempt to be 'good'. All too often, they meet with failure and endure great suffering in the process. Yet, in the end, they come across as far more sympathetic.

Moreover, every single character in this book is a fully-fledged and believable individual. Even the dog and the cat possess distinct personalities that add an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the story.

I would most definitely read this book again without hesitation and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has a passion for reading. It is neither too difficult a read nor does it become overwhelmed by its underlying message. Instead, it lingers in your mind long after you have turned the final page, leaving a lasting impression.

La amistad y el amor son dos fuerzas poderosas que a menudo se encuentran en una novela coral. Estos elementos no solo dan profundidad y emoción a la trama, sino que también sirven como un lazo fundamental que une a los personajes. Amistad y amor triunfantes pueden transformar a las personas, hacerlas más fuertes y resilientes en medio de los desafíos y dificultades que se presentan a lo largo de la historia.

En una novela coral, la amistad puede manifestarse de muchas formas. Pueden ser amistades entre personajes que comparten una misma situación o destino, o amistades que se forman a través de la ayuda y el apoyo mutuo. Estas amistades pueden llegar a ser tan profundas y significativas que los personajes están dispuestos a hacer cualquier cosa por sus amigos.

El amor, por otro lado, es una fuerza que puede mover montañas. Puede ser el amor romántico entre dos personajes, o el amor filial o fraternal. El amor tiene la capacidad de hacer que los personajes se pongan en riesgo, se sacrificen por los demás y se enfrenten a sus miedos y temores.

Cuando la amistad y el amor triunfan en una novela coral, crean un mundo lleno de esperanza y belleza. Estos elementos nos recuerdan que, a pesar de las adversidades que podemos enfrentar en la vida, siempre hay algo que vale la pena luchar y esforzarse. Además, nos hacen sentir que no estamos solos y que siempre hay alguien que nos ama y nos apoya.

Weird book!

It was truly an odd read. I had this distinct feeling that there was a profound philosophical point lurking beneath the surface, but try as I might, I just couldn't quite put my finger on what it was.

Nevertheless, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying the book. What made it so engaging were the idiosyncratic characters. Each one was unique, with their own set of quirks and personalities.

And then there were their "muddled" relationships. The interactions between the characters were complex and often hard to untangle. But that was part of the charm. It made me think and wonder about the nature of human connection.

Overall, despite not fully grasping the philosophical message, the book was a fascinating and enjoyable experience.

“But we were all jolly nervous and upset! We’re not used to death after lunch!”

Iris, you are truly brilliant! This novel is an absolute delight. It's filled with so much excitement and intrigue. There's a lighthearted romp through the lives of a diverse group of characters, each in their own stage of angst and despair. It's also a slowly unfolding mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. In addition, there are a plethora of unusual love stories that add a touch of romance to the mix. And to top it all off, it's a philosophical treatise on the nature of good and evil.

The story begins at Octavian's office in London, where a co-worker commits suicide under suspicious circumstances. This mystery provides the backbone of the plot, but most of the action takes place in Dorset. Here, Octavian and his wife Kate have opened their home to a motley crew of friends, children, and animals. Kate has a penchant for taking in strays and keeping them close by so she can "attend" to them. Ducane lies to his mistress and is obsessed with a married woman. Paula exudes a "hard, cold dignity," while Mary has the "air of a Victorian governess." As the lives of these and many other characters unfold, we're left wondering who is truly nice and who is good. It turns out to be a complex question that Murdoch skillfully helps us explore.

Some of the characters are tortured by regrets, like the one who says, "It was as if one's guilt had been made into a tangible object and rammed into one's guts." Others are desperately clinging to their relationships, as seen in the statement, "If one loves what is so frail and mortal, if one loves and holds on, like a terrier holding on, must not one's love become changed?" But they're all on a journey of discovery, and what they find is truly fascinating. One character realizes, "...she was like him, morally like in some way that was important. Her mode of being gave him a moral, even a metaphysical, confidence in the world, in the reality of goodness."

Isn't it true that what we're drawn to in someone we love is the good we see in them? And that this attraction is stronger than all of our other emotions towards them? The insights in this novel are truly marvelous, but as with most things, the fun is in the journey. There are plenty of unexpected kisses, at least one tragic accident, a death-defying adventure (where the dog plays a crucial role - hooray!), and a lot of pairing up at the end. Philosophy has never been this much fun!