Interestingly, the article was written in a rather engaging manner. The motives of the characters were truly intriguing, making me eager to uncover more about their actions and decisions. The plot line, too, was unique, setting it apart from many other works. However, I did find myself getting bogged down by the author's penchant for backtracking. As a very easily distracted reader, this made it difficult for me to follow the lines of thought smoothly. I constantly had to look back to see if I had missed something crucial, only to realize that I hadn't. Despite this minor drawback, the overall quality of the article was still quite good, and I found myself invested in the story and its characters.

Largo y en ocasiones muy predecible.

This description implies a certain length and a tendency to be quite foreseeable at times. It could refer to a story, a process, or even a journey.

When something is largo, it means it has an extended duration or size. It might take a significant amount of time to complete or experience.

And being predecible suggests that there is a pattern or regularity to it. One can often anticipate what will happen next based on previous knowledge or experience.

However, this predictability can also have its drawbacks. It may lead to a sense of monotony or lack of excitement.

On the other hand, it can also provide a sense of security and stability.

Overall, the combination of largo and predecible creates a unique characteristic that can have both positive and negative implications depending on the context.

I love a good story without true drama, bourgeois to the core, with a certain irreverent beauty as it dismisses concerns. A love novel, of entanglement, of melodrama. A novel with a nun visited by the devil and a Pole unable to fight in the war.

Flowers on the center table. The delicate beauty of widowhood, of tenderness. Friendship, and the blindness of friendship, and the distance of the solitude of those who seek paths and cannot cross to the shore they would like to inhabit.

Ah! Who could find the true words. But I want to finish reviewing the pendants, not just stars.

There is beauty in Murdoch. I want to read more of her. I know good days await me by her side.

Murdoch's works often explore complex human emotions and relationships in a unique and engaging way. Her characters are vividly drawn, and the stories she weaves are both captivating and thought-provoking. Whether it's the turmoil of love, the challenges of friendship, or the mysteries of the human psyche, Murdoch has a way of bringing these themes to life on the page.

Reading her novels is like embarking on a journey of self-discovery, where we are invited to question our own beliefs and values. I can't wait to see what other treasures I will uncover as I continue to explore her literary world.

After approximately twenty pages or so, I initially had the impression that I was not going to take pleasure in reading "Nuns and Soldiers." However, as I continued to turn the pages, it gradually began to have a certain charm and appeal that grew on me.

I found myself becoming more and more engaged with the story, the characters, and the unique world that the author had created.

Before I knew it, I was thoroughly enjoying the book and didn't want it to come to an end.

The more I read, the deeper I delved into the narrative, and the more I discovered the hidden layers and subtleties that made it truly captivating.

It was a pleasant surprise to find that my initial perception had been completely wrong, and that this book had the power to draw me in and hold my attention until the very last page.

I would highly recommend "Nuns and Soldiers" to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

I had read a substantial number of Murdoch books prior to this one. At the beginning, this particular book seemed to progress at a somewhat sluggish pace. However, after reading a chapter or so, I found myself completely engrossed and simply could not put it down.

The omnipresent shadow of the dying husband, along with the other idiosyncratic characters, makes this novel especially unforgettable. "Nuns and Soldiers" has now become one of my most cherished novels by Murdoch. In fact, it might even have to be included in my "desert island books" list!

This book offers a unique and captivating exploration of human nature and relationships. The vividly描绘 characters and the intricate plot keep the reader engaged from start to finish. It is a testament to Murdoch's remarkable storytelling abilities.

Overall, "Nuns and Soldiers" is a must-read for fans of Murdoch's work and anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking and engaging novel.

Ahhh, I didn't really take a shine to this one.

I'm not entirely sure why I'm even awarding it 3 stars.

Maybe it's because I have this nagging feeling that it should merit 3 stars, yet I'm too stingy to actually give it that many.

Oh well, whatever the case may be.

The principal reason I didn't care for Nuns and Soldiers was that I loathed the ending.

Ugh, what a dreadful ending it was.

It made me despise everyone.

In the end, I didn't have any affection for any of the characters.

Well, maybe except for Manfred, which is truly strange.

I didn't like him one bit until the very end.

Even the Count lost his allure for me.

What an idiot.

p.s. I constantly found myself wishing that this story was set 30 or 40 years earlier, rather than in the 70's.

Well-drawn characters are the heart and soul of any great story.

They are the ones who bring the narrative to life, making us care about their struggles, their dreams, and their relationships.

In this particular piece, we see people who are in the process of coming to terms with themselves and their ghosts.

These characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with flaws and virtues that make them relatable and human.

As we follow their journey, we witness their growth and transformation, as they face their inner demons and learn to accept themselves for who they are.

Their stories are both poignant and inspiring, reminding us that we all have our own ghosts to face and that it is only through acceptance and self-discovery that we can truly find peace and happiness.

Overall, the well-drawn characters and their powerful themes make this a truly engaging and thought-provoking piece of work.

"Only God would see."

"Such a useful fiction."

I vividly remember the moments when I was reading this book and got an actual adrenaline rush during some of its philosophical conversations. They were truly outstanding. The book delved deep into various profound ideas, and the discussions were so engaging that I couldn't help but write down numerous quotes.

For me, the theme that stood out the most was punishment. The author explored this concept from different angles, making me think deeply about its meaning and implications.

These quotes about punishment have become valuable treasures for me, as they offer insights and perspectives that I may not have otherwise considered.

The book's ability to引发 such intense emotions and thoughts within me is a testament to its quality and the power of its philosophical musings.

I will surely revisit these quotes and the ideas they represent in the future, as they continue to resonate with me long after I've finished reading the book.

Overall, this book has been a remarkable journey of intellectual exploration, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to engage with its profound ideas.

4 stars

Wow. That was truly an amazing experience.

A reviewer from The New York Times described this as “a harlequin for highbrows.” I must take offense on behalf of Iris Murdoch for such a comment.

Yes, it was a bit challenging as I had to create a flowchart to keep track of who fell in love with whom. However, the questions and realities that she presents to us within these relationships are of much greater significance.

Murdoch delves deep into the complex nature of human emotions and interactions. She explores themes such as love, desire, jealousy, and betrayal in a way that makes us question our own beliefs and behaviors.

The story is not just a simple romance but a profound exploration of the human condition. It forces us to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper meanings and implications of our actions and relationships.

Overall, this is a remarkable work that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking literature.

An exasperating epic, "Nuns and Soldiers" stands as perhaps the closest Iris Murdoch ever got to penning a romance novel. The narrative orbits around two reunited girlfriends: Gertrude, a self-absorbed widow, and Anne, a selfless ex-nun. However, the Lawrencian saga that envelops this duo overshadows any meaningful examination of their purportedly extraordinary friendship. This tale is predominantly about "boy troubles"!

And, given that this is Murdoch, not everyone will achieve a happy conclusion. Only one not-so-secret admirer will truly win his lady's heart. So, will it be Tim, the red-headed painter lacking in financial means and with meager artistic talent? Or Peter, the Polish ex-pat who is closed off from the world? Let the courtships commence!

Issues of class are hinted at but never truly grappled with. The lengthy dialogue crackles with Cowardesque energy, at odds with the book's inner dramas. Anne's religious vision remains largely unexplored, while Tim's epiphanies through nature delve deeper. Moreover, Tim's acerbic ex Daisy merits more page time. Although not a great book, "Nuns and Soldiers" nonetheless reminded me of the unique pleasures that stem from reading a serious, long novel - nearly 500 pages!

Not to everyone's taste, this book is said to be one of Iris Murdoch's weakest works.

However, the more you engage with it, the more captivating it becomes. I have read it at least four times already, and currently, it is our bookclub book for this month.

I am eagerly waiting to hear the opinions of others. Will everyone despise it? It is bound to be a controversial topic of discussion.

Each time I read it, I discover new layers and interpretations that I might have missed before. The story, although perhaps not as straightforward as some of her other works, has a certain charm that draws you in and makes you want to explore it further.

Despite being labeled as one of her weaker books, it still has the power to engage and intrigue readers, sparking lively debates and discussions within our bookclub.

It will be interesting to see how everyone else reacts to it and what insights they bring to the table.

Micol's Book Club (Annie) - January 2024

In January 2024, Micol's Book Club, led by Annie, embarked on an exciting literary journey.

The club members gathered with great anticipation, eager to explore the chosen book for the month. Annie, with her passion for literature, guided the discussions, asking thought-provoking questions and sharing her own insights.

The diverse group of readers brought their unique perspectives, creating a rich and engaging atmosphere. They delved deep into the themes, characters, and plot of the book, uncovering hidden meanings and making connections to their own lives.

As the discussions progressed, new friendships were formed, and a sense of community grew within the club. The members not only gained a deeper understanding of the book but also learned from each other's experiences and ideas.

Micol's Book Club in January 2024 was not just about reading; it was about coming together, sharing, and growing as individuals through the power of literature.