The Sea, the Sea by Iris Murdoch

The Sea, the Sea

Iris Murdoch

538 pages • first pub 1978 (editions)

fiction classics reflective slow-paced

Description

Charles Arrowby, past 60, a demi-god of the theatre - director, playwright and actor - retires from his glittering London world, in order to "abjure magic and become a hermit". It is to the sea that he turns. 

Community Reviews Summary of 1,233 reviews

Moods

reflective 84%
mysterious 41%
emotional 39%
challenging 38%
dark 38%
tense 29%
funny 24%
sad 23%
adventurous 8%
lighthearted 6%
relaxing 5%
hopeful 2%
inspiring 1%

Pace

slow 70%
medium 28%
fast 1%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 83% | A mix: 15%

Strong character development?

Yes: 46% | It's complicated: 32% | No: 20%

Loveable characters?

No: 62% | It's complicated: 28% | Yes: 8%

Diverse cast of characters?

No: 75% | Yes: 18% | It's complicated: 4%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 96% | It's complicated: 3%

Average rating

3.89

See all reviews...

Content Warnings

Submitted by users as part of their reviews

Expand filter menu View summary

See all...