Book 51 - Iris Murdoch "The Italian Girl"

[jazzy_dave]

Iris Murdoch "The Italian Girl" (Vintage)




This is my first venture into the writing of Iris Murdoch, and it has inspired me to read more.

Edmund, our narrator, has returned to his family home following the death of his mother. The story concerns a small cast of characters who have become trapped in their very insular world. Each has their own source of escapism, which is at once as much a cause of destruction as it is of release.

Ever present in the background is the eponymous "Italian girl". Despite playing little part in the foreground of the novel, she is a powerful presence of whom the reader is constantly aware. We know she will have an important role to play, but are never quite sure what that role will be.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book - especially to anyone who was looking for a short and easy read, but with beautifully created characters and a dense enough plot to intrigue and satisfy.