A review by lara_d
The Italian Girl by Iris Murdoch

dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I enjoyed the start of this book, and was impressed how Murdoch had me crying by the top of the second page. I think it's a sign of a good writer that I was feeling so much just a few paragraphs in.  I also loved how she "showed without telling".

I suspect this rift off books and plays that I haven't read, and suspect the links and references to other literature (? Shakespeare) went over my head. 

Whilst very well written, and  'm glad to have read it, I'm not ina hurry to re-read this book. It was dark and depressing, and I didn't like any of the characters. They all seemed so sad (melancholic?), self-centred and board. 

I prefer books that are uplifting or inspiring or at least funny or informative. 
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