This was, by far, one of the weirdest things I've read in a while.

It wasn't strange because it delved into the realms of time travel or featured extraterrestrial beings. No, what made it truly peculiar was its complete lack of a defined sense of place and timeframe.

The story seemed to exist in a nebulous void, with no clear setting or indication of when events were taking place.

Adding to the strangeness, the characters in the narrative were entirely disengaged from one another. They didn't communicate, and their emotions and brain functions appeared to lack any logical or linear progression.

It was as if they were living in their own isolated bubbles, with no connection or interaction.

This disjointed and surreal quality made the reading experience both baffling and somewhat fascinating.

It left me wondering what the author was trying to convey or achieve with such a unique and unconventional approach.

Despite its oddities, it managed to capture my attention and hold it until the very end.

Overall, it was a truly unforgettable and mind-bending piece of literature.

All the charm and attraction of a train wreck. It's truly terrible to watch, yet impossible to ignore.

Surprisingly, it bears a striking resemblance to a soap opera. The only differences I noticed were: no one mysteriously vanishes, no surprise genetic relationships, and no evil twin materializes, brimming with wealth and vengeance, having spent a decade building an empire in some hot country.

The Book and the Brotherhood (which I'll abbreviate to The Book for the sake of laziness) also has more philosophical debate than is typical for a soap opera. It also comes with a plethora of content warnings. Here's my list: mention of anorexia, alcoholism/abuse of alcohol, gun violence, repeated, detailed rants of strident anti-choice rhetoric (which informs one of the plot points), generally toxic relationships, both romantic and parental, that shade into a whole variety of abuse and enabling, and repeated, detailed discussion, planning, and attempts of suicide (which ties heavily into the toxic relationships).

Despite all that grossness, I devoured this book, vibrating with rage and occasionally glee when a particularly unlikable character got their karmic comeuppance. I've been describing it to anyone who doesn't walk away fast enough as An Experience. The way that emergency surgery with unreliable anesthetic is An Experience. It's not enjoyable, but it's too late to go back now.

The Book is very typical Murdoch: a group of wealthy, middle-aged, college-educated, idle English folks experience an event that upends the alliances in their little clique and the neatly knitted fabric of their tidy lives. In this case, it's the reappearance, at a Midsummer's Eve party, of one David Crimmond, the brilliant, mercurial, iconoclastic quasi-Marxist who was punted from the group after a falling out. He's a human garbage fire who insists everyone behave as he dictates, but that's okay because he's really smart. He's going to write the next breakthrough book on the philosophy of economics, which (most of) the rest of the clique have been paying him to do for a couple of decades, despite not hearing from him for at least that long and starting to think they don't really agree with his radical ideas.

The rest of the group's major players are (brace yourself, it's going to be a bit): Gerard Hernshaw, the most popular and perhaps the only one with the intelligence to rival Crimmond, though he hasn't done anything with it; Rose Curtland, with that most romantic of all romances, unrequited love (aimed at Gerard); Duncan Cambus, who could have been as brilliant as Gerard if it weren't for an unforeseen personal tragedy; his wife, the much-desired and popular Jean Cambus; my favorite character, Jenkin Riderhood, who is described as the group's "moral center" (a phrase that definitely means something); and Tamar Hernshaw, the mistreated and unwanted daughter of Violet Hernshaw, cousin to Gerard. Filling out the plot a little more are Lily Boyne, Gulliver Ashe, Sinclair Curtland (Rose's brother, killed in a hang-gliding accident before the book opens and for whom Crimmond's book is to be a memorial, because who doesn't love philosophy?), Gideon and Patricia Fairfax, and Father McAlister, who surprisingly doesn't deliver a single drop of the anti-choice ranting. Some of these characters are gay or bisexual, and no one is a jerk about it.

All of these people crash off each other like atoms in a particle accelerator, and since the motto of the age is, "for the love of god, don't talk to the person you have the issue with!" everything promptly devolves into what would be madcap hijinks if PG Wodehouse wrote this book, but instead is reckless drama. If reckless drama (with the above caveats) is what you need to get you through this time of travail, then I would recommend you pick up every Iris Murdoch book you can find. Not into drama? Put The Book down. Walk away. Trust me.

This novel transports the reader to a pure England of tea and educated insults.

Each character feels that they are the culprit of the most terrible things around them. Is it destiny? Is it chance?

The story unfolds in a world where the characters are constantly grappling with their own sense of guilt and responsibility.

The author, Iris Murdoch, has a unique way of描绘 the complex emotions and relationships of her characters.

Her writing is both细腻 and profound, drawing the reader in and making them care about what happens to each and every one of the characters.

If you're looking for a novel that will take you on a journey through the heart and soul of England, then this is the book for you.

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What a exasperating, self-centered group of intellectuals!

They seem to be so wrapped up in their own ideas and perspectives that they fail to see the bigger picture. The statement "Get off the pot or............." might have some underlying philosophical viewpoints, but it also comes across as rather brash and dismissive.

It is truly amazing how Murdock strings sentences along. His writing style is complex and convoluted, and it would definitely be a challenge to diagram those sentences. One has to really pay close attention to understand the intended meaning. It makes you wonder if he is trying to be deliberately obtuse or if he simply has a unique way of expressing himself.

Overall, the whole situation is rather frustrating and makes one question the value of such intellectual discussions. Are they really adding anything meaningful to the conversation, or are they just a display of ego and self-importance?

This book truly moves at a glacial pace, and it is dreadfully dry.

Ms. Murdoch seems to have completely missed the mark with this particular work. She fails to generate any excitement for the reader, even during the supposed "tragic" moments in the book. These so-called tragic parts are presented in such a lackluster way that they come across as no more significant than successfully crossing the street.

If your idea of a good read is to wade through extensive descriptions about the color and fibre content of a character's bargain-bought pullover sweater as she traipses around a party, from one terrace to the next, all while essentially doing nothing of consequence, then perhaps this book is for you.

However, as for me, I would much rather read The Encyclopedia Britannica, and even that backwards, than endure this tedious and unengaging book any further.

It's a real disappointment that Ms. Murdoch couldn't bring more life and energy to this story.

One can only hope that her future works will be more captivating and less of a slog to get through.

A collection of (mainly) middle-aged characters orbit around each other within an Oxford/London setting.

People make the decision to leave their partners, suddenly proclaim their love for others, patiently wait for a book to be written, and engage in discussions about all of these matters.

Some of the houses are damp and musty, while others are luxurious and opulent.

Part of the novel is situated in France, adding an extra layer of complexity and charm.

There are profound reflections on love, lust, Marxism, death, religion, chance, good fortune, and a plethora of other themes that are characteristic of Dame Iris.

This particular work is not my personal favorite among hers, and it may not have a lasting impact.

Nevertheless, it is still Iris Murdoch, and as such, it merits exploration.

The set scenes on the Roman Road and the vivid description of Grey the parrot truly shine with the power of great writing.

The scene between Duncan, Jean, and Crimond in the tower is also outstanding.

Moreover, there are several unexpected twists and shocks along the way that keep the reader engaged.

Overall, despite not being my absolute favorite, this novel still has its merits and is worth delving into for fans of Iris Murdoch.

Wealthy pseudo-intellectuals are those who have a certain amount of wealth but do not engage in much real work.

They like to pretend that they are thinking about important thoughts that are actually divorced from real life and society.

These thoughts may sound profound, but in fact, they have no practical significance.

At the same time, there are also some women who do not see their own self-worth.

They may rely too much on others or be too influenced by traditional ideas, resulting in a lack of confidence and a sense of self.

As for Marxism, there is not much discussion here.

However, it should be noted that Marxism is a very important ideological system that has had a profound impact on the development of human society.

We should view Marxism objectively and rationally, and draw on its useful ideas and methods to promote our own development and social progress.

Philosophical Melodrama

David Crimond, the provocative antihero of this novel, once again upsets the group of friends who financially support him. While he works ceaselessly on what his lover Sinclair Curtland had called “the book which the age requires” and they subsidize à la the Musilgesellschaft, created to help Robert Musil. The group's sentimental attachment to Sinclair, who died in a glider accident, was the basis for their decision to support Crimond. But decades later, with no book produced and Crimond uncommunicative and radical, they question if their support will result in a dangerous work.

Before anything major happens, Murdoch introduces a large cast with their emotional baggage and complex relationships, often using flashbacks. The occasion for their gathering is the annual Commem Ball at Oxford. Gerard Hernshaw has complex relationships, including being the bisexual lover of Rose and her brother Sinclair. Jenkin Riderhood is a solitary history teacher, and two other members of the Gesellschaft have moved away.
The initial drama involves Duncan Cambus, whose wife Jean had left him for Crimond. At the ball, Jean is again attracted to Crimond's dance. Their relationship is mystical and concerns her friends. Duncan is humiliated when Crimond throws him into the river and later injures his eye. Jean soon moves out to be with David again.
The major melodramatic crisis occurs when Duncan, after Jean returns to him, goes to Crimond's house for “unfinished business” and engages in a duel. Jenkin is accidentally shot through the forehead. No one goes to prison as it's considered an accident, and blame falls on Crimond. The characters quickly return to their normal emotional conflicts.
A prime example of the double bind is Rose, who is confronted by Crimond's declaration of love. This comes after his mysterious breakup with Jean. Rose speculates about why Crimond wants to talk to her and initially reacts with hostility. But after he leaves, she regrets her behavior and believes she loves him. Murdoch provides little explanation for Rose's extreme behavior.
In a sense, Crimond is the only “realist” in the group, exploiting others' fantasies. The characters' sudden reversals make them seem comic, especially Duncan. Inhibited Gerald likes to give advice but can't resolve his own issues. He has an idealized vision of himself and is related to all the characters. At the novel's conclusion, Gerald realizes he must respond to Crimond's book and proposes to live close to Rose.
As for the vaunted book, Gerald, who is the first to read it, describes it as an attempt to see the whole of civilized past in relation to the present and future. It's about justice and suffering, but Gerald also comments that no one can really foresee what will happen. Perhaps Crimond has written a vision of the future shaped by neurotic characters like those in the novel. For a reader interested in a detailed exploration of British upper-middle-class intellectuals' emotions and lives, this novel is a good choice.

It offers a complex and convoluted plot with a large cast of characters, all dealing with their own emotional and intellectual struggles.

Murdoch's writing style is detailed and often delves into the characters' inner thoughts and feelings, making it a challenging but rewarding read.

The novel also explores themes such as love, relationships, morality, and the role of intellectuals in society.

Overall, it's a thought-provoking and engaging work that will leave readers with much to consider.

If there is a sentence in the whole book that can be used to summarize the story of a novel like this, it would be the one said by one of its characters: "I think we shouldn't ask so many questions. Sometimes we think in too much detail about the lives of others. The consciences of others can be very different from ours. It's something that one eventually learns."

This statement holds great significance within the context of the novel. It reflects the theme of understanding and acceptance. Throughout the story, the characters often find themselves delving deep into the lives and motives of others, only to realize that they cannot fully comprehend or judge them. Each person has their own unique set of experiences, beliefs, and values that shape their conscience.

By learning this lesson, the characters are able to grow and develop. They become more empathetic and less judgmental, which in turn allows them to build stronger relationships and navigate the complex web of human interactions. The novel as a whole serves as a reminder that we should strive to understand others without imposing our own views and expectations. Only then can we truly appreciate the diversity and richness of the human experience.

**"The Complex World of Iris Murdoch's Novels"**

Iris Murdoch, not only a remarkable novelist of the 20th century but also a social chronicler, has often been overlooked in this latter role. While some might credit Anthony Powell with a similar function in his "Dance to the Music of Time," Murdoch's work has its own unique qualities.

Her novels, like "The Book and the Brotherhood," explore the lives and relationships of a group of friends. Set in the late fifties or early sixties, the story follows these characters as they grapple with their past, present, and future. The novel is filled with complex characters, such as Rose, a reticent spinster hopelessly in love with her dead brother's lover, and David Crimmond, a brilliant but unstable man who becomes a figure of distrust.
The novel also delves into themes such as rights, revolution, and the search for a better society. Murdoch's characters engage in passionate arguments about these topics, but the answers are never clear. This reflects the author's own internal struggle and the ambiguity of the real world.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find that there is too much going on and that there are too many superfluous characters. The connections between these characters and the main plot can seem artificial at times.
Despite its flaws, "The Book and the Brotherhood" is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers a unique perspective on the human condition. It is a testament to Iris Murdoch's talent as a writer and her ability to create complex and believable characters.

In conclusion, Iris Murdoch's novels are a rich and complex exploration of the social and psychological landscape of the 20th century. While her work may not be to everyone's taste, it is certainly值得 reading for those who are interested in exploring the deeper themes of human existence.

What an annoying novel!

I gave it two stars instead of one only because the writing was rather good.

Regrettably, both the plot and the characters were truly horrid.

It began with promise but then simply devolved into this anti-abortion drivel.

Not to mention that every female character was incredibly pathetic.

It was painful to witness how she desecrated her characters in such a way.

The story seemed to lose its way halfway through, and the author's stance on the controversial topic of abortion was so one-sided and forcefully pushed that it detracted from the overall enjoyment of the novel.

The lack of depth and complexity in the female characters made them seem like mere caricatures, rather than real, relatable individuals.

Overall, it was a disappointing read that failed to live up to its initial potential.

This is not my favorite Murdoch.

Still, I have to give it 4 stars because the characters and the writing are just as brilliant as ever.

There's never much action in Murdoch novels, but this one had less than usual.

It's about a group of college friends who are aging, bringing up a new generation, and have been paying one of their group to write a great work of philosophy.

He is one of the horrible old men that IM is so fond of.

He plays with his friends' lives in the worst sort of ways.

He tells women that he's in love with them but then he also sets up dangerous situations that lead to their or their friends' deaths sometimes.

Three more to go until I am done with my project to reread all of Murdoch.

Despite not being my absolute favorite, this Murdoch novel still has its charms. The characters are vividly drawn, and the writing is engaging.

The lack of action might be a drawback for some, but it allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' relationships and inner lives.

The story of the college friends and the philosopher is both fascinating and disturbing.

The philosopher's actions are truly despicable, yet they add an element of drama and tension to the plot.

As I continue my project to reread all of Murdoch, I look forward to seeing what other gems she has in store for me.

Each novel offers a unique perspective on human nature and the human condition, and I am eager to discover more.