This is a complex and entangled web of a story set in the late 1960s. It involves Rupert and Hilda, their 20-year-old dropout son Peter, Rupert's younger brother Simon and his boyfriend Axel, Hilda's unstable younger sister Morgan, her estranged husband Tallis, and her former lover Julius, who is also a college friend of Rupert and Axel.

From the very beginning, the relationships and events are intertwined. Later on, there are strong echoes of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. The stage is set for a non-magical enchantment that leads to illusions of love and betrayal. The metaphorical puppeteer seems to soothe but is actually sowing doubts and creating scenarios.

Although the story is entirely naturalistic, there are moments when some characters think they sense supernatural demons or ghosts. However, none of them realize the real power that is manipulating their lives.

The book opens inauspiciously with a long conversation between Rupert and Hilda that explains the back story. But this is not the kind of conversation they would have in real life. After that, it becomes a trademark Murdoch psychological novel. Her protagonists are like the British equivalent of Woody Allen's shrink-addicted New Yorkers, constantly analyzing their relationships, interconnectedness, and motives.

The narrative seamlessly switches between pages of pure dialogue and more descriptive passages. In some of the dialogue sections, it's not always clear who is saying what, but this is actually very effective, especially in large gatherings with multiple conversations. The reader feels like they are eavesdropping.

The book is slightly dated in places, especially early on when Murdoch seems embarrassed about the terminology regarding Simon and Axel. There are also a couple of awkward racial comments. But mostly, it reads very well and would be good for a reading group. However, it's probably too unfashionable to be picked up, unless it becomes prominent due to a film adaptation. There are many thought-provoking lines, such as "Both you and X are wounded people. X is the more wounded because X is the more guilty and for that reason is probably the more proud." and "Good is dull. What novelist ever succeeded in making a good man interesting?". Fortunately, this novel devotes plenty of pages to those who are not good.

I'd love to read another book about Julius, which means this one must have been excellent.

God damn it! Julius is such a dick! The unrelenting bleakness of 'A Fairly Honorable Defeat' was truly and immensely disappointing. With so many high-minded characters and refined turns of phrases, one would expect something more complex. However, this story is rather straightforward - evil gives birth to evil, and excessive pride is nothing but foolishness.

Yet, despite this simplicity, I was *absolutely* willing to follow along. Murdoch's writing has a certain charm that is very engaging. I found myself constantly daydreaming about Tallis, Simon, Axel, and all the other characters trapped in this dark web. I would resume reading the story at just about any moment I could spare. It's not a masterpiece by any means, but it's good enough to keep me interested. I'd say it's worth a poke.

This is very much in the Murdoch world.

It presents a story that features a gay couple, with marriage or a committed partnership being central to the plot. There is an abundance of elements related to love. Moreover, there is a swimming pool, scenes of swimming, and even a drowning incident.

Lots of interesting aspects are lurking within the plot and details. And, as is typical in the Murdoch style, there is the pleasure of being able to discover, in a third-person narrative, fully developed characters. By the end of the story, these characters seem so real and familiar that one feels as if they truly know them.

However, it should be noted that in the print copy, some racist language is used by certain characters. Fortunately, this is toned down in the audio version, making it more palatable and less offensive to the listeners.

Is it regarded as acceptable to manipulate the subtleties of relationships and individuals in order to uncover the latent skepticism within human connections?

Characters such as Rupert seem to create an idealized depiction of others, presenting themselves as protectors, safeguarding them (perhaps from what they perceive as reality?).

The narrative demonstrates through the character of Julius how an external agent can effortlessly disrupt the relationship between two people by taking advantage of the cultivated trust between them. Through lies, Julius endeavors to highlight the romanticized nature of trust, demonstrating the existence of individuals in the world, similar to Julius, who have no moral qualms about fabricating deceit and undermining trust.

What I believe Iris attempted to emphasize was how a person can be so preoccupied with their own image that they completely overlook the falsehoods that exist externally just to maintain their own facade.

Do moral values, in their limitations, cast a shadow and restrict the freedom in this arrangement of intrigues that lead to moral lessons?

All things considered, I think Julius exhibited some symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, and although the book was extremely captivating, one could easily debate each question that was raised.

Unlawfully good. This phrase seems to carry a certain irony and complexity. It implies that there is something that is considered good, yet it is achieved or exists in an illegal or improper way.

Perhaps it refers to actions that, while having positive intentions or outcomes, violate the established rules and laws. For example, someone might break the law to help a person in need, believing that the greater good justifies their actions.

However, the concept of unlawfully good also raises questions about the balance between morality and legality. Can something truly be good if it is achieved through illegal means?

In a society based on the rule of law, laws are put in place to maintain order and fairness. While there may be cases where breaking the law seems morally justifiable, it is important to consider the long-term consequences and the potential impact on the overall fabric of society.

We should strive to find ways to do good within the boundaries of the law, or work towards changing the laws that are unjust or outdated. Only in this way can we ensure that our actions are both good and legal, and contribute to a more just and harmonious society.

Like so many of Iris Murdoch's novels, this one is indeed well written.

The prose is engaging and flows smoothly, drawing the reader in from the very beginning.

It is also highly entertaining, filled with interesting characters and a captivating plot that keeps one turning the pages.

Moreover, the novel is full of profound ideas and insights into human nature and relationships.

While it may not be quite her absolute best work, it still holds a great deal of value and is well worth reading.

Murdoch's ability to create complex and believable characters, along with her exploration of deep philosophical themes, makes this novel a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.

Whether you are a fan of her work or new to her writing, this novel is sure to provide an enjoyable and thought-provoking reading experience.

It is truly a pity to witness awful people engaging in awful deeds towards one another. The whole situation feels stuffy and rather contrived. However, one cannot help but be impressed by the articulate nature of Iris Murdoch. Her prose is so captivating that it managed to keep me bouncing along for more than 400 pages.

Each sentence she constructs seems to have a life of its own, pulling the reader deeper into the story. Despite the unappealing actions of the characters, Murdoch's writing style makes it impossible to put the book down.

One can only wonder how she manages to create such a vivid and engaging world with her words. It is a testament to her skill as a writer that even in the face of such unlikable characters and their awful behavior, the reader remains hooked until the very end.

I embarked on a weeklong trip to Marquette, MI, and during that time, I delved into the first half of this remarkable piece. I was instantly and tremendously engaged. The story had a captivating allure that held my attention firmly. Then, upon returning home, I found myself devouring the back half in just about a day. It was simply that good.

The narrative revolves around an English network of family and friends that is brutally decimated by a social interloper. This is a rather classic framework, yet it is immaculately realized in a manner that is both splashy and intellectual. The author has masterfully crafted a story that is so spicy and so smart. I couldn't get enough of it and gobbled it up with great enthusiasm.

Every page turn brought new surprises and revelations, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The characters are vividly drawn, and their interactions are filled with tension and drama. The writing style is engaging and flows seamlessly, making it a pleasure to read. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

Goodness is indeed a noble virtue, and Iris Murdoch appears to be deeply intrigued by it. Whether in this particular book or in 'The Nice and the Good', she seems both amazed and perhaps irritated by the various manifestations of goodness. Her characters are rich with this diversity, as if her pen strokes bring the story to life with vivid colors.

However, goodness does not exist in isolation. It inevitably coexists with other elements such as love, friendship, innocence, sacrifice, and, most importantly, power. There is a profound connection between goodness and power, yet often we are oblivious to the fact that we are wearing this invisible cloak. In our nonchalance, we convince ourselves of the goodness within us while conveniently ignoring the power demon lurking behind the veil. But do we truly believe? Or is it an inherent flaw of humanity? Murdoch forces us to confront these questions, making us chant each bead of nicety, love, friendship, relationship, deceit, anxiety, despair, and many others against the disturbing string of dominance.

The characters in this story may be few, but they are intense. Their intensity lies in their strength, and for some, in their timidity and weaknesses. Morgan, an eccentric, shallow, and callous person, takes refuge in her sister Hilda's house. She is running away from relationships, claiming to be seeking herself. She clings to Tallis, her estranged husband, whom she hasn't seen in two years, while also having an illicit affair with Julius King. Now that she has left Julius, Hilda and her husband Rupert, who are the epitome of goodness and morality, have no idea what they are getting into by sheltering the wild mare. Their lives are about to be changed by her frivolity. Axel and Simon are the other two essential characters. Simon, Rupert's brother, is gay and deeply in love with the guileless Axel.

Murdoch improvises on the proverb 'What you give, you get back', and the reader experiences powerful renditions of 'What you get, you give back'. The deranged Morgan is treated poorly as she tries to return to Julius. She amuses herself in the most degrading and disgusting ways, yet Julius remains apathetic. Then, with her husband Tallis, she becomes Julius, treating him like a well-trained animal, showing that offense can be the best defense while simultaneously playing the victim. How ironic!

As Morgan showcases her histrionics by introducing the concept of 'loving innocently' and making herself and others swallow this potion, Julius King challenges her nonsense and exposes the fragility of relationships by writing and directing a horrendous act inspired by Shakespeare. But should we blame Julius or Murdoch? Murdoch's eloquence描绘s the strongest of characters crumbling under the feeblest of cunningness, and it is so believable that one wonders: Are all relationships in such a latent and decrepit state that a single blow can shatter the opaque glass of misrepresented conscience? Do we deceive ourselves by believing in who we are? Are we truly that, or are we like the magician's rabbit that pops out of the intricate and unsettling mesh of the brain and the heart each time?

Murdoch plays with the power that holds and the powerlessness that yields. Her characters, like most of us, are full of themselves in different ways. She shows how easily a single strand of doubt or suspicion can disrupt relationships, how easily one can fall and get lost in the meandering light of something new and refreshing. She emphasizes the ease with which fear can be induced in a timid heart and mocks the vulnerability of what we call the strength of love, belief, and trust. The plot reveals how ugly people can become, or perhaps already are deep inside, beneath the ostentatious façade of goodness. She probes into the essence of goodness and derides its fragility.

It would be unjust to conclude without acknowledging the remarkable mental strength of Murdoch's characters, or perhaps it is their hard-heartedness. Even in the most devious acts of infidelity or treacherous schemes, they are capable of understanding, forgiving, and sometimes finding innocence in the act. It is a truly honorable defeat. Wow! I wish I could encounter more such people in real life, the ones who are forgiving. This book has made me reflect on the so-called goodness of many people and analyze them, which is such an uncomfortable thing to do, isn't it?

Loved the book, loved the mockery.

I had to give this some serious thought before I could make any comments. Murdoch was truly at her blistering best when she took on philosophical confidence.

It seems she must have had a great deal of enjoyment writing about such silly people who engage in silly and then ultimately awful and selfish behaviors.

As has been my limited experience with her fiction, you are left with very few characters that are at all likeable. Perhaps, with the exception of Tallis, whom she had some compassion for, or at least, some patience.

But what does this say about us as human beings? Maybe it's a reminder to be less certain about how much we think we know about living "a good life" and to be more humble regarding the effects of circumstance and luck.

We often assume we have all the answers, but Murdoch's work makes us question those assumptions and forces us to look at the more complex and often unlikable aspects of human nature.

I have completed Part One of this novel, and I'm not afraid to admit, even without having read the introduction, that I am currently infatuated with a character in the book, Julius.

Oh, Julius! Every time you diagnose humanity as being filled with self-serving illusions, I simply swoon! I absolutely adore Iris' way of describing you with Elizabethan (and by that, I mean Taylor, not some useless queen) violet eyes that sparkle with irrepressible delight. (Well, I'm kind of mashing things together here, but that's my prerogative. After all, she's dead.)

As always, Lady Iris has crafted a world filled with countless philosophical debates, fascinatingly developed characters, and perhaps a touch too much environmental description. (I tend to skip over it when it gets overly flowery to maintain my focus on the issues she's addressing.) Her characters truly shine when they are seemingly at ease during those twilit cocktail hours... it's always the calm before the most intense debates!

I enjoy reading one of her novels approximately every six months or so, and each time it feels like coming home to a much more interesting family.

It's as if I'm stepping into a world where I can explore different perspectives, engage with complex characters, and be challenged by profound ideas. Lady Iris' writing has a unique charm that keeps me coming back for more, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for me in the remaining parts of this novel.

What can I say, except that I have been thrown into yet another shock. A classic Murdochian novel, I would even say extremely obsessed with the irrationality of instincts and also with the brutal randomness of the consequences. One must have knowledge of moral philosophy or at least a hazy idea of good, evil, and human nature to understand this novel. I love writers who have incorporated many ideas from the outside world and other people, and Iris is exactly such a one. Intelligent and complex. But at the same time, she is an unscrupulous original source of unrivaled non-conformity and her own philosophical views on things, masterfully materialized in a purely literary form through her characters. I like her so much because she focuses not on the events but on the feelings and thoughts of the people who carry them out and cause them. Terrific!

This novel is like a deep well that one can keep drawing from. The more you explore, the more you discover. It challenges your preconceived notions and makes you think about the nature of human existence. The characters are so vividly drawn that they seem to leap off the page. Their emotions and conflicts are palpable, and you can't help but become involved in their stories.

Iris Murdoch's writing is both beautiful and profound. She has a unique way of expressing complex ideas in a simple and accessible way. Her use of language is masterful, and every word seems to be carefully chosen for maximum impact. Reading her novels is not only a pleasure but also an intellectual and emotional journey. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves literature and wants to explore the depths of the human psyche.