A review by knkoch
The Flight from the Enchanter by Iris Murdoch

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

4.0

Hmmm. This felt far more convoluted and obscure than The Bell, currently my favorite Murdoch novel. The tone is darker and less humorous than The Black Prince and The Sea, the Sea, though it has its moments. There are lots of masterfully described sets and scenes, and in particular the opening scene (
of Annette swinging from the chandelier as she quits boarding school
) has been bouncing around in my head the past few days. Murdoch's books always make me think deeply, and this one felt more like the type of art that begs you to formulate deeper independent interpretations. To me, this is a book about power dynamics, especially between men and women, and the dangerous charisma of "enchanters". No matter the era, technology, or societal progress, there will always be enchanters operating their brand of magic on others. Certainly our present era, now more than sixty years removed from the setting of this book, proves that! 
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