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Rating: 
Summary: Memorable characters, masterful plotting
Review: "Nuns and Soldiers" was the first Iris Murdoch novel I read. I've since read many others, but it remains one of the most memorable, from the very first scene when an important character is on his deathbed. (A visitor considers whether to mention to the dying man that it's raining, but then reflects on how irrelevant that would be . . . "There would be no more weather for Gerald.") In addition to the side trips into philosphy that are typical in Murdoch's novels, you have memorable characters for whom she's created detailed and interesting pasts -- this really draws you into their lives as they veer from one life-changing crisis to the next. Murdoch's plotting is amazing, as well: masterfully done. She'd be worthy of a college course in writing, for sure. I "held back" a star because the ending was a bit "happily ever after" for my taste, but it's an excellent book.
Rating:
Summary: Prefer the video of the same name, but ...
Review: An interesting take on the old theme of nuns/soldiers and vicars/tarts, this one. Most of you will know the story, but I shan't spoil it for those who have not yet read it. I am surprised that that girl from Titanic could write something as clever as this.
Rating:
Summary: Prefer the video of the same name, but ...
Review: An interesting take on the old theme of nuns/soldiers and vicars/tarts, this one. Most of you will know the story, but I shan't spoil it for those who have not yet read it. I am surprised that that girl from Titanic could write something as clever as this.
Rating: 
Summary: Lengthy and irritating
Review: This is one of three Iris Murdoch books I have read, as a good friend of mine is a big fan. I have yet to see why. I found Nuns and Soldiers silly and overwrought, an extended but inexplicable love story filled with improbable and self conscious conversations. Do people experiencing a coup de foudre really sit around and dissect their feelings? I don't find the philosophical or moral underpinnings of the story to be compelling, either. Social requirements versus individual desire, I guess.
Rating: 
Summary: Reading pleasure
Review: Whenever I read an Iris Murdoch novel, I am reminded how much I enjoy and appreciate Murdoch's work. Her books are always a pleasure to read, and a pleasure that I would be sincerely sorry to miss. At the moment of the death of her husband, Gertrude is reunited with her best friend from University-- Anne. Anne and Gertrude had been separated when Anne had joined the nunnery, and it is this occasion of great loss for both of them (Anne has lost the solace of the nunnery) that brings them together. _Nuns and Soldiers_ questions both the notion of great love and the morality of the expression of love. My book club was not overly fond of _Nins and Soldiers_ because they found the character of Gertrude so utterly unsympathetic. And she is truly atypical for Murdoch-- her feminine passivity and self-centeredness are not normal characteristics for Murdoch heroines, but it fit so well with the story that I wasn't bothered by it. There are very few Murdoch books that I'd hesitate to recommend.
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