The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch — Book Review

A former theater director retires to the country by the sea, hoping to find peace

[FRENCH Version below — First posted on Goodreads]

👉 Find this review in episode #12 of our KULT podcast (in French).

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This is the story of a theatre director who is retiring after a short career as an actor, then a successful career as a director in London. He retires to a small corner of England, to Shruff Ends, at the end of the earth, by the sea.

He wrote his memoirs, recalling his successes, his encounters and a few minor love affairs, leading a very ordered life, far removed from the glitz and glamour of London. He enjoyed bathing in the icy water, even if it was difficult to get out through the rocks. The coastline is beautiful, but it’s lined with pebbles to keep out the tourists.

The novel begins in a contemplative way, allowing us to discover his person, his career and his new environment. The author takes his time, remaining detached from everything that is happening, adopting a fairly stoic approach. Suddenly everything changes when he stumbles across Hartley, his unfulfilled first love. An obsession ensues, replaying in his mind…