A review by tracey_s
The Nice and the Good by Iris Murdoch
4.0
When the mysterious Radeechy kills himself at the office, he unknowingly sparks a whirlwind of emotion and intrigue in London and Dorset, during a stifling long summer.
Poor, genial Octavian is left the tedious task of investigating the incident and wastes no time in delagating it to worrisome John Ducane.
Although Ducane is introduced as the fancy man of Kate, Octavian's wife, on her terms and amongst her family of misfits and strays in Dorset, it can be argued that he is the moral centre of the novel. He navigates through the broken relationships of himself and his friends and keeps a steady hand in uncovering the truth behind the magical affairs at Whitehall.
This novel was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 1969 and although the writing plants it clearly in this time period, the story feels fresh and relevant still.
Poor, genial Octavian is left the tedious task of investigating the incident and wastes no time in delagating it to worrisome John Ducane.
Although Ducane is introduced as the fancy man of Kate, Octavian's wife, on her terms and amongst her family of misfits and strays in Dorset, it can be argued that he is the moral centre of the novel. He navigates through the broken relationships of himself and his friends and keeps a steady hand in uncovering the truth behind the magical affairs at Whitehall.
This novel was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 1969 and although the writing plants it clearly in this time period, the story feels fresh and relevant still.