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[decemberthirty]

I'm still reading The Sea, the Sea, and I'm enjoying it very much. It's a good, long, sink-your-teeth-in kind of book. It's been quite a while since I've read something like that, and I'm realizing how much I missed it.

By far the most interesting aspect of the book is the narrator, Charles Arrowby. He's as egocentric, self-dramatizing, and snobbish as they come, and I suspect that I wouldn't be able to stand him in real life. In the book, however, I just can't help it--the more I read, the more I like him. Also, he absolutely embodies the concept of the unreliable narrator. In this respect, the book reminds me of The Book of Evidence by John Banville, although it is otherwise totally different in tone and effect. I've always been a sucker for books with unreliable narrators, and Murdoch has done a such a wonderful job of completely inhabiting her character that you hardly even notice as you're being coerced into taking his distinctly questionable point of view as the gospel truth.

I particularly enjoyed the first section of the book, because it provided a fascinating look at the process of Charles deciding to begin recording his life. Murdoch created what is, in my opinion, a very accurate depiction of the self-consciousness and tentativeness that come with beginning a journal. This was of particular interest to me because of my recent obsession with my own journal.

Comments

[sagebearz.livejournal.com]

This is a very intelligent ,clever and insightful look a book. I have read many a review of books. Your perspective truly makes me want to read this book. It makes me crave it subtlety ,like an unknown desire, a craving for some taste that eludes you. I especially like your description of the narrator. "completely inhabiting her character that you hardly even notice as you're being coerced into taking his distinctly questionable point of view as the gospel truth." I understand that, I have read books with total reprehensible characters who I utterly adored. When I go to work tomorrow I must see if we have a copy on the self. If not I think I am going to order it. I miss books with meat, substance one can truly nourish the imagination.

Shawn

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.
Charles W. Eliot

[decemberthirty.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your kind comment! It's nice to know that I'm reaching people, even if it's only a select few. I'm also glad that my words had such an effect on you, and I hope you enjoy the book. You'll have to let me know what you think once you've read it.

Re:

[sagebearz.livejournal.com]

We dont have it at work so i ordered it. We shall see when it comes in. I am looking forward to reading it.

Shawn

Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?
Henry Ward Beecher