I only got half way through this book and stopped.

This is literally the screen play for a daytime soap opera. It should be titled, "The Days of our Lives" or some such title. And, I hate soap opera's.

However, there are a few instances where the dialogue does actually become intelligent. Iris definitely uses those instances to put forth some very interesting, if not just outright philosophical/political and economic predictions of the future.

This was written in 1987 and she could already see how computer technology was going to take center stage in the world. She could envision the political and racial changes that were and have begun to take place in the major countries of the world.

She also, very adeptly and bluntly, puts forth issues of society that most of us just ignore. For example, the poor keep complaining about being oppressed by the rich, yet there are many of the rich who reach out to the poor and the poor, in a very sadistic way, slap them in the face. They really do not want help. They just want to be bitter and destroy.

She shows how there is a vast segment of society that has completely cut themselves off from God or any religion at all, creating what the Psalmist in the Bible kept referring to as the abyss.

I think I will enjoy reading her books that are strictly about philosophy.

Perhaps in those books, she will explore these profound ideas in more depth and offer greater insights into the human condition and the future of our world.

It will be interesting to see how her philosophical musings have evolved over the years and what new perspectives she can bring to the table.

Overall, while this particular book may not have been to my taste, I am still intrigued by Iris's work and look forward to delving deeper into her other writings.

The only drawback of this book is its title.

The characters in it are wonderful, vividly depicted, and the pacing is excellent. The build-up of tension is also well done. It is truly one of her best works.

There are only three more Murdoch titles left for me to read, and I have already read one of them a few years ago.

I'm really looking forward to exploring the remaining books and seeing what other literary treasures Murdoch has in store for me.

The anticipation is palpable, and I can't wait to immerse myself in her unique writing style and engaging stories once again.

Each of her books seems to offer a new and exciting adventure, and I'm eager to embark on these literary journeys.

Who knows what kind of characters and plots I'll encounter in the next Murdoch titles? The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes reading her works so thrilling.

"The Book and the Brotherhood" is truly a masterpiece. In my opinion, it outshines the renowned "A fairly honourable defeat". The story delves into the theme of change, with the incidents involving people and the "Book" that brings about the same. It also explores the uncertainty of human nature, the making and breaking of relationships, and the clashing of ideologies, whether in political theory or personal choice.

I thoroughly relished the part where the brotherhood gathers to deliberate on the future of the book and the intense discussion that ensues, questioning liberal democracy among other things. It was a captivating moment that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Iris Murdoch's writing is simply enchanting. Her ability to create complex characters and weave a compelling narrative is truly remarkable. I am completely in love with her work and can't wait to explore more of her novels.

“How accidental everything was, and how spirit was scattered everywhere, beautiful and awful.”


Iris Murdoch, with her unique style, immerses us right into the heart of the story. In the first dozen or so pages, nearly 20 characters are introduced, their conversations, inner thoughts, and connections to one another flowing seamlessly at a boozy Oxford gathering. It's quintessentially Murdoch in many aspects. As the story progresses, there's a certain subtlety and a more sober approach, despite the characters' copious consumption of alcohol. There are elements that border on the magical, like the snails, along with a suicide pact, a duel, sexual liaisons, a deep emotional attachment to a parrot, romantic obsessions, and tortuous secret guilts.


Then there is The Book. * Is it real? Dangerous? Important? Or just rehashed Marxism? The enigmatic Crimond claims to be writing it, and the “Brotherhood” finances it. Their golden Oxford days of true thinking and learning are long gone, but what did they really learn? All, in one way or another, are obsessed with Crimond, whether in love or hate, often both. Is Crimond a genius, a charlatan, or a demon? He is compared to Shiva, the destroyer, but remember, Shiva's destruction is constructive, shattering the illusions of this world.


As always with Iris Murdoch, she reveals how what often appears to be romantic love (the insanity of eros) is often born of illusions, fantasies, and the failure to see people as they truly are because we are blinded by our desires. Or we fail to see ourselves because we are distorted by what others expect us to be. We seek corrupt consolations to avoid the Truth. Which loves are real and which are false isn't always clear, but as we recognize the complexity of others and view them less as our possessions or extensions of our desires, we are rewarded, as Murdoch noted in another book, by discovering “value in our ability to forget self.” Murdoch also said elsewhere, “Getting it right about love, being able to love people unselfishly, is one of the highest things in human life, and it's exceedingly difficult.” In this book, it's not always clear who is able to love unselfishly, but it's an extraordinarily enjoyable reading experience to be inside the characters' heads with all their wild thoughts, revelations, and musings.


I have to say that Jenkin (\\"Come live with me and be my love...\\") is one of my favorite characters in any of Murdoch's books, and I've read most of them. Her choice of women's names - Lily, Rose, Violet, Jean, Tamar - are all fitting, sometimes in ways that seem to have very layered meanings. Also of note, David Crimond and Duncan Cambus have the same initials, are both Scottish, and considering their connection to one another (not revealing anything here to say it's Duncan's wife, Jean), I wonder if this is Murdoch playing with the idea of accidental connections. There's so much to think about in an Iris Murdoch novel!


*Murdoch’s philosophy pervades this **, although she would resist the term “philosophical novel.” The Book is taken seriously, as are Big Ideas. But she doesn't try to bind us with the ropes of philosophical or political theory. The characters do engage in arguments of ideas, and those conversations are exciting in their own way. But Murdoch doesn't present one argument as The One. Ideas are confronted, as they should be. At 20, Murdoch was a Marxist, and in the ‘80s, she voted for Thatcher. She seems to be confronting the various versions of herself. Even beliefs held closely need to be examined and questioned for rightness and wrongness. Not as much seems to be written about this novel as Murdoch’s others, but I think it’s one of her best. For all the elements that could easily be mocked or satirized, she does neither (though her humor is present throughout). We are shown to be absurd creatures, yes, but this is a humane book.


**I was delighted to see a line taken straight out of one of my favorite passages of Iris’ philosophy book, Metaphysics as A Guide To Morals. The line: “...there were always lonely people, a girl in a bed-sitter with her cat and her potted plant.” The passage: “So, [Plato’s] carpenter is dealing with wood, tools, measurement, Cezanne is looking at the mountain he knows so well and creating a work of art and saying to himself that he cannot paint what he sees, the girl in her bed-sit is comforted by her plant, which is so beautiful and glossy and which she cares for and protects, and also by her cat, whom she also tends, who is a free being, a friend, a privilege to live with, they look into each other’s eyes. And the physicist too, whose thoughts we would not understand, loves the beauty of his formulation. Human beings love each other, in sex, in friendship, and love and cherish other beings, humans, animals, plants, ones. Imagination and art are in all of this, and the quest for happiness and the promotion of happiness.”

This is an extremely long book, consisting of a whopping 606 pages.

The paragraphs within it are long, sometimes stretching to an entire page, and the sentences are also of considerable length.

There is a dearth of a traditional plot, with instead a great deal of inner turmoil among the characters.

It's important to note that this book is not for everyone. In fact, the majority of novel readers would likely not have an affinity for it.

However, Iris is an outstanding writer, and through her words, I felt as if I had a deep understanding of the characters.

Although I couldn't empathize with them on a personal level, as I lead an entirely different life and am an entirely different person, that's precisely why I read novels and biographies - to encounter and explore the lives and minds of people other than myself.

This book, despite its challenges, offers a unique opportunity for such exploration.

Murdoch's writing is truly masterful. It is a remarkable display of literary craftsmanship that engages the reader from the very first page. The way she weaves words together, constructs sentences, and develops the narrative is simply outstanding. Each paragraph is a work of art, filled with vivid descriptions, profound insights, and a unique style that is all her own.

The book, in which her masterful writing is on full display, is most definitely worth reading. It offers a rich and immersive experience that takes the reader on a journey through different worlds and emotions. Whether it is the exploration of complex characters, the examination of moral and ethical dilemmas, or the creation of a captivating story, Murdoch's writing elevates the book to a whole new level.

One cannot help but be impressed by the sheer talent and skill that Murdoch brings to her writing. It is a testament to her literary genius and a reason why her books continue to be widely read and admired. So, if you are looking for a book that will not only entertain but also inspire and challenge you, then look no further than Murdoch's work. You will not be disappointed.

A longish (600 pages) book that delves into the psychological evolution of a diverse range of characters. These characters are confronted with a series of new events, all against the backdrop of a long and shared history.

Surprisingly, despite its considerable length, the book manages to maintain a high level of interest even after hundreds of pages have been turned. This is likely due to the frequent and skillful changes in the narrator's point of view.

By presenting the story from multiple perspectives, the author is able to offer a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the characters and their experiences. Each new point of view brings with it new insights and revelations, keeping the reader engaged and eager to discover what will happen next.

Moreover, the changes in perspective also add a layer of complexity to the narrative, as the reader is forced to reconcile the different versions of events and form their own opinions about the characters and their actions.

In conclusion, this book is a testament to the power of a well-crafted narrative and the importance of a skilled narrator in keeping the reader hooked from start to finish.

Approaching a 600-page book of any kind is always a little daunting for me. However, this twenty-third novel by Iris Murdoch was an absolute delight. It centers around a group of friends who first met at Oxford and explores their relationships over the past thirty-odd years. Some of the group have paired off at different times, one has passed away, and there are numerous instances of unrequited love. At the beginning of the novel, only Jean and Duncan are a couple. The relationship between these two and their friends' involvement in it forms a significant part of the novel and provides much of the drama that drives the narrative. Needless to say, there is a great deal of soul searching, many discussions around fires in cold flats with biscuits and whiskey, and a lot of focus on the minutiae of these lives. The detailed descriptions of their clothes and hair, the food they eat, and the wonderful portrayal of Boyars, another in a line of country houses, all contribute to making this book a rich and engaging read. Around this core group, there are other old friends and relations who add further drama, both humorous and tragic, and of course, a healthy dose of religious and philosophical discussion along the way.

It is not only the relationships between the friends, the 'brotherhood', that the novel encompasses. The titular 'book', written by an old member of the group, Crimond, also plays a crucial role. The others are financing it in a kind of crowd starter scheme. Crimond is an outlier, far to the left politically compared to Rose with her family estate, Gerard with his early retirement and desire to write philosophical commentary, and Duncan and Jean with their family money and government position. An enigmatic and contentious character, he not only引发了arguments among the others with his secrecy about the book but also causes far greater upheavals between the friends and is involved in one of the saddest events in the book.

Just as Crimond is the 'dark' character, we have Tamar, the illegitimate daughter of Viola. Initially seen as a pathetic, fragile, priestess-like figure, dominated by her mother and used by Gerard as a go-between when someone sympathetic and non-judgmental is needed, she suffers as a result. However, after a brush with religion, she ultimately emerges as a stronger, more independent person. Perhaps part of the appeal of this novel is the fact that women's voices feature so prominently. Rose, Jean, Lily, Tamar, and Viola all play significant roles. Rose, in particular, is a favorite, with her outwardly calm demeanor masking passion and conflict beneath. Even Lily, with her scatterbrained ways, manages to evoke empathy. It does seem that only the wretched Viola doesn't have some dependence on the men in her life, at least not if she can help it. Yet, it is not only the women who need someone to lean on in the novel and who require a commitment or 'pact' to secure their loved one. As Rose makes a pact with Gerard, he tries to make one with Jenkin. Duncan and Jean come to a complicit, mutual understanding, as do Lily and Gulliver, and the quartet of Gideon and Patricia, Tamar and her mother. Only Jenkin seems to be self-reliant, often described as living and wanting a simple life. He doesn't boast the intellectualism or ambition of Gerard, Gideon, or Crimond, and as such, he is one of the more appealing characters. Although the losses Gerard experiences in the novel, from his parrot, Grey, when he was a young boy, to his friends and Father, make him a more interesting and empathetic character.

By the end of the book, we have to question whether the 'brotherhood' still exists, regardless of the fate of the book. The group has been reduced and separated, and lines in the sand have been drawn between its members. Either way, it is a compelling read as we follow their fates. Iris Murdoch addresses questions of happiness and what we leave behind, how money and education influence our lives, what we will do for love and how we find it, and how sometimes friendship is enough.

Some favorite Lines

‘Tamar was poised ready to fall in love. It is possible to plan to fall in love. Or perhaps what seems like planning is simply the excited anticipation of the moment, delayed so as to be perfected, of the unmistakable mutual gesture, when eyes meet, hands meet, words fail.’

‘She had had two love affairs, the first inspired by anxiety, the second by pity, for which she blamed herself severely. She was a puritanical child, and she had never been in love.’

‘The sky had become darker since her arrival and now it was raining. Outside the little lawn was strewn with leaves, the yellow chrysanthemums, fading to brown, dropping against their windblown sticks. The room was cold and felt derelict and unlived in, the floor echoed, the house felt dusty and damp. Tamar thought, it’s a senseless house and her heart sank.’

‘He lifted his head like an animal who might, upon some empty hillside, let out some lonely inarticulate cry, not a sad cry, though not without a sad tone or echo, but just a deep irrepressible cry of being. So in silence he let out his noiseless bellow to the chill night air and the stars.’

‘She was wearing bedsocks. She sat crouching and glaring, deepening the two lines above her nose, her eyes wet slits between dry wrinkles. The expensive contact lenses had proved a failure. She evidently felt that since she was taken unawares looking terrible she would make a feature of it.’

If there were someone in one of my book groups who was willing to persevere with this book for the first 300 pages, they would ultimately gain some understanding of what was happening.

There are class issues where money is utilized in a seemingly benign way to manipulate friends. There are also old school issues where former classmates form an extremely close-knit group and seem unable to break free to establish their own individual families. Primarily, it is about control. The violence is secondary. Perhaps the philosophy and politics were beyond my comprehension, or perhaps it is simply a study of how humanity has attempted to control others throughout history. I had to create a list of the characters and their relationships with each other in order to keep them clear in my mind.

It was a laborious task, but I am extremely glad to have read it.

This review offers a concise assessment of a particular subject. It states that the subject in question is a bit less manic compared to the 70s Murdochs that the reviewer has read about. The use of the term "manic" implies a certain level of intensity or wildness. By comparing it to the 70s Murdochs, the reviewer is drawing a parallel and highlighting the difference in the level of this characteristic. The reviewer then goes on to say that they enjoyed it. This simple statement indicates that despite the noted difference in mania, the reviewer still found value or pleasure in the subject. Overall, the review provides a quick snapshot of the reviewer's perception and experience, leaving the reader with an idea of how the subject compares to a known reference point and that it was enjoyable.

Iris Murdoch's pen is timeless.

Her stories unfold in fantastical settings that are beyond history, generations, and centuries.

In "The Book and the Brotherhood," the novel progresses at a thrilling pace, pivoting among more than a dozen characters.

Sometimes they are like heroes, and at other times like a chorus, revealing to us the darkest and most mysterious folds of love, friendship, philosophy, and death.

Murdoch's ability to create such complex and engaging characters is truly remarkable.

She delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the intricacies of relationships and the profound questions that萦绕 our lives.

The story takes us on a journey through a world that is both strange and familiar, filled with unexpected twists and turns.

As we follow the characters' adventures, we are forced to confront our own beliefs and values, and to question the nature of reality itself.

"The Book and the Brotherhood" is a masterpiece of literature, a work that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.

I had never read anything by this author before, and I have fallen in love with her precious, meticulous, and realistic writing. It has a great visual power, with complex plots and rich characters. There are abundant socio-political, philosophical, moral, and religious discussions. But above all, it is a novel about "Love". The author contemplates love in all its aspects with a capital "L": romantic love, fraternal love, and filial love, which serve as the leitmotif.

It is an impressive ensemble novel where the rhythm never flags. The story unfolds like a beautiful tapestry, weaving together the lives and emotions of its characters in a way that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. Each character is fully developed, with their own unique personalities, dreams, and flaws. The author's attention to detail is remarkable, creating a vivid and immersive world that the reader can easily get lost in. Whether it's the description of a beautiful landscape or the inner turmoil of a character, every word is carefully chosen to convey the intended meaning. Overall, this is a novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.