The Sea, The Sea by Iris MurdochMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Oh, such mixed feelings about this book. Had you asked me my feelings about this novel half way through reading it, you would have seen my face scrunch up in frustration and I would say, “spare yourself from this novel which is strictly the ramblings of a completely self-absorbed and delusional idiot man for whom you will have no sympathy.” BUT…having finished it I can honestly say if you are able to get past the first two hundred pages (either for being a glutton for punishment or attempting to finish, in my case, for a book group), the “story,” if you can call it that, really does start to get interesting. It’s largely a novel about power…over others, over ourselves, and often, the power we relinquish to other people and ideas. The “sea” being the looming metaphor in this book is both majestic and enchanting, but also fatally dangerous. Such it is with our personal lives and whom we choose to love.
Not an easy read, but definitely one of those books that will stay with you for a while.
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