This was one of those books where the central character engages in extensive mulling, musing, stewing, thinking, and overthinking of everything.

We, as the readers, are privy to all of this through countless paragraphs. I have to admit that I resorted to skimming a significant portion of it.

Nevertheless, despite this, it was still a rather good read. The story managed to hold my interest, and the characters were well-developed.

However, the ending was a bit of a letdown. It felt like a copout, as if the author couldn't come up with a more satisfying conclusion.

Overall, though, I would still recommend this book to others who enjoy character-driven stories and don't mind a bit of excessive thinking on the part of the protagonist.

Hateful man, Hilary. His actions and attitude are truly despicable. After reading about him, it left me with a grumpy mood that lasted for days. It's really frustrating.

Moreover, the plot line is highly improbable. It seems so far-fetched and unbelievable. It makes the whole story less engaging and enjoyable. Ugh, I can't stand it.

I really hope there will be a change in this situation. Maybe Hilary will realize his mistakes and improve his behavior. Or perhaps the plot will take a more interesting and plausible turn. Only time will tell.

I absolutely adored reading this melancholic book. It was filled with surprises that extended even to the last sentence. The story is written purely from the narrator's point of view, with intermittent dialogue to offer alternative perspectives. Hilary, the egotistical protagonist, presents both honesty and an abundance of self-deception, which is its rival.

In the second of Iris Murdoch's novels that I have read (the other being The Sea, The Sea), once again the lead man does not come out 'smelling of roses'.

The storyline was thought-provoking and intense, and the language Murdoch used was a delight. It was a pleasure to沉浸 in her words and let the story unfold.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written and engaging story that will make them think.

12.43

Lessons for a Narcissistic Misogynist

This article offers a truly remarkable and in-depth exploration into the constantly floundering mind of the protagonist. It takes the reader on a captivating journey through the complex and often troubled thoughts of this narcissistic misogynist. The richly woven tale is filled with vivid details and engaging情节 that keep the reader hooked from start to finish. The language used is simply delicious, with its beautiful prose and powerful descriptions. It adds an extra layer of depth and beauty to the story, making it a truly good read. Whether you are interested in psychology, relationships, or simply a well-written story, this article has something to offer. It provides valuable lessons and insights into the human condition, and leaves the reader with much to思考 and discuss.

I stayed up until 3 o'clock tonight to finish this.

Oh, what wonderful expression and thought it contains! The conscious unclarity and vision within it are truly remarkable.

I had a special feeling while reading it on a London train, passing by Hilary's haunts.

It was as if the words on the page came alive and merged with the scenery outside the window.

The rhythm of the train and the changing landscapes added an extra layer of depth to my reading experience.

I could sense the emotions and ideas flowing through the text, and it made me think deeply about various aspects of life.

This piece of writing has a certain charm that吸引了 me and held my attention throughout.

It's one of those rare works that leave a lasting impression and make me eager to explore more of the author's thoughts and expressions.

I'm glad I took the time to stay up and read it, as it has given me a new perspective and a sense of inspiration.

Possibly the best book in the world, possibly the second-best after 'The Dud Avocado'. This statement immediately piques one's curiosity. What could this book be that is vying for such a high position in the literary pantheon? It makes one wonder about the unique qualities and魅力 it must possess. Would it have a captivating storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats? Or perhaps it is filled with profound and thought-provoking ideas that make one look at the world in a different light. Maybe it has characters that are so vivid and relatable that they seem to come alive on the page. Really, they'd have to duke it out in the ring for me to be able to decide. This vivid imagery of a literary battle adds an element of excitement and drama. It makes one eager to explore both books and see for oneself which one truly reigns supreme.

The main character in this story truly requires medication, in my opinion. He stumbles continuously from one awkward and rude moment to the next, acting in a selfish manner with just a hint of guilt now and then.

The book initially holds out the promise of a neat and tidy ending, but unfortunately, that doesn't come to pass, and this is precisely what the story is centered around. The characters seem to be hanging on with one hand while leaning into the fabricated story lines of the other characters.

I'm actually glad that I read it, although I could only manage to stick with a couple of chapters before taking a break. It's definitely a unique piece of work. It offers a different perspective on character development and story progression, and despite its flaws, it has a certain charm that keeps the reader engaged.

Overall, it's an interesting read that makes you think about the nature of human behavior and the choices we make.

One of my favorites by Ms. Murdoch is a remarkable work that serves as an excellent starting point for those who have never delved into her fiction. It is darkly funny and also explores the theme of mad love. The 'word child' in the title is Hilary Burde, the narrator. Using one of her rare first person narratives, the book has an intriguing structure, with each chapter headed by a day of the week. This is based on the order and routine Hilary has tried to establish for his life, as he has certain things that he always does on specific days of the week. The novel follows him as this routine is gradually disrupted.

From childhood, Hilary escaped into his own world through his talent for languages, partly due to the unforgivable horror of causing the death of another man's wife. This event ended his promising Oxford career and sent him into a decade of self-flagellation. Gunnar, the wronged widower, reappears remarried but is as paralyzed as Hilary by the events of twenty years ago. Through the agency of an unfathomable half-Indian servant, Gunnar's second wife begins an equivocal intrigue with Hilary under the pretext of getting Gunnar to come to terms with his feelings about Hilary and Anne's death.

The moral imperatives of the developing situation are perceived in contradictory ways by Hilary and his small circle of confederates: a persistent, half-wanted mistress; a placid co-worker and his effusively solicitous wife; a rancorous homosexual friend; the beautiful and mysterious servant; his unpresentable but adored sister and her humbly devoted fiance. Murdoch presents us with all the elements, and more, for a cause of conscience of the most perverse, contradictory, and surreal complexity in a subjectively perceived, post-Christian universe where moral impasses stubbornly continue to exist and have consequences, but no canon law can help us predict them. The result of the events is a resounding triumph. One can witness themes develop and abound. The first person narrative keeps you engaged despite the limitations of this point of view. Essentially, it is a Gothic tale whose atmosphere revolves around fall and redemption. The author's use of stylistic effects is outstanding. I relished the neat, obvious, and effective structure of the book that kept the events within reasonable bounds. Some may find Murdoch somewhat challenging, but I cherish the feeling that, in this case, as with her best novels, the goods have been delivered.

Not simply "A word, child" or even "Word, child!" but rather "child of words." This phrase holds a deeper meaning. It implies that the child is not just a passive recipient of words but is somehow intertwined with them, perhaps growing and evolving within the realm of language. The child of words might have a special connection to the power and beauty of language, using it to express emotions, ideas, and dreams. They might explore different words, discover their meanings, and use them to create their own unique world. In this way, the child becomes an active participant in the world of words, rather than just a bystander. The phrase "child of words" thus evokes a sense of wonder and possibility, suggesting that the child has the potential to become something truly remarkable through their relationship with language.

A difficult book.

Each chapter begins with descriptions of the frozen English weather. The author is highly skilled and eloquent. At 75, she is at the peak of her mental abilities in psychoanalyzing the heroes, delving deep into their psyches with words.

However, somewhere along the way, it gets tiring. Maybe today we have outgrown books of this kind and sharpness.

The plot is worthy but basic. I would have seen it more as a fictional description of a neurotic person with a troubled childhood that haunts him and in turn, he haunts himself. It's a kind of anthropological anatomy of a highly perceptive observer. If I were younger and more curious than I am now, I would have enjoyed it.

And I would have learned things about human nature. Now that I have grown up and am more stable and predictable, more or less.

Manto is a top-notch author, no matter what, but she plays in a specific field.

I'm awarding this book four stars. However, "liking" isn't precisely the emotion I link with this reading experience. There's frustration, indeed, and despair. Exasperation at how the characters all seem to be ensnared in their behavioral patterns. Admiration for the narrator's intellectual eloquence. Respect for the author, who weaves her words so skillfully that I remained engaged with the story throughout its 400 pages.

For a long while, I desired to read something by Murdoch. She has received praise and awards, and now I understand why, as she truly is a highly accomplished writer. I'm glad I read this book, for the sake of having the experience of reading a work by her. But I wouldn't casually recommend this read to anyone else.

The themes are those of the great Tragedies: being haunted by the Past, being propelled by Fate towards some inescapable Doom. The longing to be Forgiven. There are numerous beautiful philosophical musings in the book on these subjects, which makes it worthwhile for anyone interested in reading about them.

But for anyone not particularly eager to be depressed, this isn't a advisable book.

The main character conducts himself in such an unlikable way that he attracts a crowd of people who either mock or pity him - or both. I found it difficult to envision him in my mind's eye. He's big, bullying, and brusque, and yet has a following of females who make him the center of their lives - out of pity, or a sense that they can save him, or perhaps masochism.

There appears to be a misogynist trait in this novel - all the women seem to derive their worth from being with, or waiting for, a man. This book fails the Bechdel test, which simply stipulates that it should meet the following three criteria: (1) it must have at least two women in it, who (2) talk to each other, about (3) something other than a man.

I was somewhat surprised by that, since I always regarded Murdoch as a "modern" woman. It makes the book seem a bit unrealistic to me, even though it's set in the seventies. None of the women seems to have a truly individual voice, they all use the same language and phrases. Even the "simple" Crystal is quite eloquent and intelligent, and there's nothing in their speech or demeanor that distinguishes the characters from one another.

But that holds true for the male characters as well. Even though differences in class and standing play a significant role, it's never really felt in the conversations. They're all on one level, even when they argue.

The end of the novel adheres to the laws of tragedy, which is slightly satisfying. On the other hand, there's no real change in the main character; at the end, he and his main woman continue in the same unresolved manner as they did in the beginning.

All in all, reading this book was like being trapped in a windowless small room without any fresh air. Since that's evidently what the writer intended, I can respect the craftsmanship. Putting the book away now that I've finished it feels like a great relief.

Compulsive reading is a phenomenon that many people experience. It refers to the strong urge or need to read continuously, often to the point of neglecting other aspects of life.

Those with compulsive reading tendencies may find themselves constantly reaching for a book, magazine, or any form of written material. They may feel a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction if they are unable to engage in reading.

This behavior can have both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, it can lead to increased knowledge, improved vocabulary, and enhanced cognitive abilities. Reading can also be a great source of entertainment and relaxation.

However, compulsive reading can also become a problem if it starts to interfere with daily activities such as work, school, or socializing. It may cause stress and anxiety if the person feels pressured to constantly read and cannot take a break.

In conclusion, while reading is generally a beneficial activity, it is important to be aware of compulsive reading tendencies and ensure that it does not have a negative impact on our lives. We should strive to find a balance between our love for reading and other aspects of our lives.