Overall, I truly relished this one.

However, I had a rather strange relationship with this novel. But this had more to do with my own mood than the novel itself.

In this work, there is an abundance of elements that are typically Murdoch's. Peculiar relationships, the sea, goodness, and enchantment are just a few examples.

I was really captivated by the mystery that surrounds the suicide with which the novel commences.

It is extremely memorable and is most definitely very readable.

The story weaves a web of intrigue and emotion that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Despite my initial odd feelings, as I delved deeper into the novel, I found myself drawn in by its unique charm and the masterful way in which Murdoch constructs her world.

It is a testament to her skill as a writer that this novel can have such an impact, even when the reader's mood might not be initially predisposed to it.

Overall, it is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

I literally hugged this book when I was done with it.

It has edged past The Sandcastle as my favorite Iris Murdoch work.

As always with Murdoch's writing, everything that seemingly shouldn't work actually does.

The overstuffed roster of characters might seem overwhelming at first, but she weaves their stories together masterfully.

The melodrama adds a touch of excitement and drama to the narrative, drawing the reader in deeper.

The misunderstandings and misrouted letters create a sense of mystery and keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

And the ending! It manages to be both improbable and hugely satisfying.

It ties up all the loose ends in a way that is both unexpected and yet completely fitting.

This book is highly recommended for patient fans of elegant writing who appreciate a complex and engaging story.

It is a true gem that will leave you thinking long after you have turned the final page.

I initially had a hard time getting through the first few chapters of "The Nice and The Good". I drifted away from it for a while but then came back with great enthusiasm.

After reading other reviews, one might think that this is one of Murdoch's better novels. However, I felt that it lacked cohesion. Instead, it seemed more like a comedy of warped relationships, which is a common theme in her works.

There is some reward in the final section when John Ducane and Pierce are trapped in the cave. But overall, I found the book a bit tiring. Written in 1968, it has all the characteristics of scattered relationships, perhaps a common trend in the upper-class society that Murdoch was a part of at that time. Have things changed since then? Who can say for sure?