What a horrible biography!

It contains far too much backstory and mundane information that seems to drag on and on.

I was really hoping to gain a better understanding of the writer through this biography, but unfortunately, it did not help me at all.

The excessive details about the writer's early life and ordinary events made it difficult for me to focus on the aspects that truly mattered.

I felt as if I was reading a never-ending list of facts and figures rather than a captivating story about the writer's life and experiences.

Perhaps if the author had been more selective in including only the most relevant and interesting details, this biography could have been a more engaging and useful read.

As it stands, however, it has left me disappointed and still in search of a more enlightening account of the writer's life.

A superb biography indeed! It delves deep into the life of the subject, presenting a comprehensive and detailed account. However, at times, it can feel a bit dense, perhaps overly so. But despite this minor drawback, it manages to create a strong and vivid portrait of the woman. We get to know not just her as a person, but also as a thinker and a novelist. Her thoughts, her ideas, and her creative process are all laid out before us. It's a fascinating read that offers valuable insights into her life and work. Whether you're a fan of her novels or simply interested in learning more about this remarkable woman, this biography is well worth your time.

I'm an Iris Murdoch nut, and this biography was completely engrossing.

The author had a very respectful and clear understanding of her novels and her philosophy. It was a joy to read about Murdoch's life and work, and to see how her ideas developed over time.

The biography was well-written and engaging, with a good balance between personal details and analysis of her literary and philosophical contributions.

I especially liked the way the author explored the themes and motifs that ran through Murdoch's novels, and how she related them to her own life experiences.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in Iris Murdoch or in 20th-century literature and philosophy. It provides a fascinating insight into the life and work of one of the most important and influential figures of the era.

Conradi's Murdoch bio is truly a letdown and a tiresome read. He does write with a certain level of proficiency. Even though he is a friend of Murdoch and Bayley, the book is not a glorified hagiography. However, the proportion is completely off, seriously askew indeed. In the 600 pages of text (followed by over 100 pages of notes and index), Murdoch finally publishes her first novel, Under the Net, on page 384. Then, she first becomes seriously ill on page 588 and is dead by page 592. The text is jumpy and choppy. Conradi never fails to be reminded of Elias Canetti and jumps back to musings about the 1950s. There is way more information about names in and around Oxford than one would want to know, often causing the reader to lose track of Iris herself in the midst of all the shuffling.

When you read a biography,

you are doing so with the intention to understand a person better.

However, in the case of reading about Iris Murdoch,

I think it probably makes you understand her less.

I'm not entirely sure why the author didn't do a better job.

Perhaps there was too much deference shown,

or maybe it was simply outside his skill set.

It's a pity because Iris Murdoch was such an interesting and complex figure.

Her works and life experiences could have been explored in much greater depth.

With a more comprehensive and insightful biography,

readers would have been able to gain a better understanding of her as a person,

her beliefs, and her contributions to literature and philosophy.

As it stands,

the current biography leaves much to be desired.

Monumental and brilliant, this life focuses on the period from the early years to the mid-1950s.

It offers valuable clues regarding what her novels were centered around and who served as the models for her characters. This information will be of utmost importance for anyone desiring to study her work.

However, I encountered difficulties with the chapters that delved into her philosophical life and ideas.

In fact, the entire book presumes a certain level of knowledge about her work, which I unfortunately did not possess.

Nevertheless, it has definitely piqued my interest and encouraged me to give her novels a try.

I am now eager to explore her fictional worlds and gain a deeper understanding of her creative vision.

Perhaps through reading her novels, I will be able to better appreciate the significance of the details presented in this life.

Overall, despite the initial challenges, this book has left a lasting impression on me and has motivated me to further engage with her literary contributions.

A Tedious Read

I have a passion for literary biographies. However, in this particular book by Conradi, it was not until much later that he delved into Murdoch's writing. The extensive details provided about the lives, words, and experiences of others seemed rather tangential. To be honest, even though I couldn't make it past page 200, I still didn't have a clear understanding of who Murdoch was.

The early part of the book seemed to focus more on peripheral aspects rather than the central figure, Murdoch. It left me feeling somewhat frustrated and disengaged. I was eager to learn about Murdoch's literary journey, his creative process, and the essence of his works. But unfortunately, that crucial information was not forthcoming in the initial pages.

Perhaps if the author had structured the book differently and introduced Murdoch's writing earlier on, it would have been a more captivating read. As it stands, I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction and a lack of knowledge about the subject I was most interested in.

You might think I'm an easygoing person when it comes to reading, but in reality, I usually only complete books that I'm initially inclined to like. And that's precisely why I adored this book. I finished it in the early hours of this morning. I simply couldn't sleep. I was wide awake throughout the night. Could it potentially have anything to do with the Cortisone shot I received in my hip yesterday morning? Maybe.

I'm determined to read more of Conradi's works. He was a friend of Iris. He stands up for her and loves her. However, I believe he also provides an honest perspective of her.

I think Iris is a cult figure. Her personality is intertwined with her work. Some art is infused with the artist's personality, while some isn't. For example, Sinatra's music and Pollock's paintings both have a strong sense of personality. Can I think of some examples where the art doesn't seem to have much personality? That would be more challenging for me, and I don't want to commit myself.

In this book, you get a glimpse of her sex life. That seems rather necessary when it comes to Iris. But I guess it's not the case for all artists.

Great Biography

A great biography is like a window into the life of an extraordinary individual. It chronicles their journey, from humble beginnings to remarkable achievements.

Biographies offer valuable insights into the character, motivation, and perseverance of the subject. They can inspire us to pursue our own dreams and overcome obstacles.

Whether it's the story of a famous scientist, a heroic leader, or a talented artist, a well-written biography has the power to engage and educate.

It allows us to step into the shoes of the person being profiled and experience their joys, sorrows, and triumphs.

Moreover, biographies can provide historical context and help us understand the times in which the subject lived.

They are a rich source of knowledge and can broaden our perspectives.

In conclusion, a great biography is a captivating and enlightening read that can have a profound impact on our lives.

The first half of this experience was truly a struggle to get through. It was filled with challenges and difficulties that seemed insurmountable at times. But then, as I persevered and pushed forward, I began to understand the significance of the second half.

The second half was the reason why I had worked so hard to get through the first half. It was like a light at the end of a long tunnel. It was here that I reaped the rewards of my efforts and saw the true value of what I had been doing.

And let me tell you, it was sooooooo worth it! All the hard work, the late nights, and the sacrifices were completely justified when I reached this point. I felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that I had never felt before. It was a moment that I will always cherish and remember as a turning point in my life.

So, if you're ever faced with a difficult task or challenge, don't give up. Keep pushing forward, because the second half just might be the most amazing part of the journey.

Biog M9744c 2001 is a remarkable entity. It holds a certain significance and value that is worth exploring.

Perhaps it represents a specific biological specimen, a research project, or a unique discovery.

The year 2001 might mark an important milestone in its history.

It could have been the year when it was first identified, studied, or when a breakthrough was made related to it.

Biog M9744c 2001 might have implications in various fields such as medicine, biology, or environmental science.

Researchers may have dedicated their efforts to understanding its characteristics, functions, and potential applications.

Further investigation could lead to new insights and advancements that could benefit humanity.

Overall, Biog M9744c 2001 is an intriguing subject that demands our attention and further study.

Renders her presence as flesh and blood; something I often feel I have missed (though I think it is my failure, somehow) in her fictional characters.

Her presence is brought to life in a way that makes it seem as real as flesh and blood. It's a quality that I frequently sense is lacking in her fictional creations. I can't help but feel that perhaps it's my own shortcoming that I don't fully grasp the essence of her characters in the same vivid manner. Maybe I'm not looking deep enough or missing some crucial details. Nevertheless, her ability to render a tangible presence in the real world is truly remarkable and makes me wish I could experience the same depth and authenticity in her fictional works.