Reviews

Nuns and Soldiers by Iris Murdoch

lizawall's review

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5.0

Early on in Nuns and Soldiers, one character reminds another that it is their duty to resist despair. I actually was taken aback at that. Of all the reasons to resist despair somehow duty had never presented itself to me. And I'll tell you: it sounded good. There is something so appealing about that kind of simple moral authority. Unfortunately for our ability to gain consolation, but fortunately, I guess, for the quality of the novel, things don't remain so simple.

booksandquilts's review

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challenging funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kyuni's review against another edition

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“Quizá, después de todo, la Bondad era algo demasiado difícil de buscar y demasiado difícil de entender.”

amarud's review

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emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

catherinejsamson's review

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5.0

i must be so simple for her to know me everytime

lenachka's review

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emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

boureemusique's review against another edition

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Rich, drawn out, evocative. I wouldn't have read this had not Murdoch been so heavily recommended at the Catholic university where I attended graduate school. I probably won't read more of her until I'm older, but I was glad to sink into this a bit. Themes of water, mysticism, nature and social structure spoke to me.

florante's review

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challenging reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

mrh29992's review

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4.0

This is an odd one in the Murdoch canon for me. Whilst i thoroughly enjoyed it, it took me a very long time to be gripped. And then, when it got going, I foind Murdoch had done that rare thing where i absolutely loathed the central couple, but was still invested in the narrative around them.

Tim and Gertrude are awful and I wished them all the misfortune in the world. By contrast, Anne and the rest of the Ebury Street hangers on were such fascinating characters.

I would not call it her best but it definitely is a fascinating read.

nikitasbookhaven's review

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4.0

My new favorite novelist...