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.
Charles Arrowby has determined to spend the rest of his days in hermit-like contemplation.
He buys a mysteriously damp house on the coast, far from the heady world of the theatre where he made his name, and there he swims in the sea, eats revolting meals and writes his memoirs. But then he meets his childhood sweetheart Hartley, and memories of her lovely, younger self crowd in - along with more recent lovers and friends - to disrupt his self-imposed exile. So instead of 'learning to be good', Charles proceeds to demonstrate how very bad he can be.
'It isn't all brainy fantasising in Murdochland; there's wild swimming, appalling sandwiches, death, madness and sex' Guardian
