Probably Iris Murdoch’s best know work, this lovely story about a man retiring, selling up and moving to a remote place only to rediscover his first love will take your breath away with it’s language and beauty. A real modern day classic.
September 2009 Guest Editor Emily Barr on The Sea, The Sea by IRIS MURDOCH
I read this just after my first child was born, and was transported to the world of Charles Arrowby. Murdoch is a stunning, witty writer. I particularly admire the way she gives us an unappealing central character and somehow makes us sympathise with his egocentric delusions. And the presence of the sea itself, almost as a character, makes this a hypnotic read.
Iris Murdoch's extraordinary exploration of human nature shines with intricate detail.
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY JOHN BURNSIDE
When Charles Arrowby retires from his glittering career in the London theatre, he buys a remote house on the rocks by the sea. He hopes to escape from his tumultuous love affairs but unexpectedly bumps into his childhood sweetheart and sets his heart on destroying her marriage. His equilibrium is further disturbed when his friends all decide to come and keep him company and Charles finds his seaside idyll severely threatened by his obsessions.
