Phase 2 of #ReadingMuriel2018 was all about the 1960s novels written by Muriel Spark. We had six books to choose from this time – and as I had already read The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie several years ago, so, I opted for The Girls of Slender Means, The Bachelors and The Ballad of Peckham Rye.
The Ballad of Peckham Rye (1960) was my final read of phase 2 – and the one I liked least of the three, I have still to write up my review. Lisa at Bluestalking Journal reviewed it towards the beginning of March. She thought it her favourite Spark novel to date, calling it a wickedly delightful novel, and very funny in a dark way. In her review of this novel Monica focuses a lot on the character of Dougal Douglas – a brilliantly drawn character and in my opinion the best thing about the book. Chrystyna reviewed Peckham Rye on Goodreads rating 4 stars and describing how Dougal Douglas sets the people of Peckham against one another. Mary also rated it 4 stars saying it was a social satire, with wonderful character sketches and masterful use of adjectives. Michael from LT is reading all of Spark this year, and he found the conclusion of this novel confusing (I agree Michael). Madamebibliophile has written a wonderful post on three Spark novels including The Ballad of Peckham Rye which she describes as a funny, odd novella.
A Twitter conversation revealed that several readers found The Bachelors (1960) rather a slow burn, That was certainly my experience of it, though once I had got into it, I began to really enjoy it, and ended up enjoying it more than Peckham Rye. Jennifer started reading The Bachelors and found herself having to set it aside for the time being, but I believe intends to go back to it one day. Grant of 1stReading’s Blog also found the start of this novel a bit off putting, calling it perhaps Spark’s most naturalistic novel and seeing it as rather limited compared to Spark’s other novels. Chrystyna also read The Bachelors, but found it tough going too. Michael rated this one with 4 stars seeing it a a satire of human hypocrisy.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1961) Janet of From First Page to Last reviewed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie – and had me wishing I had had time to re-read it. Janet calls it a novel that is read quickly but which stays with the reader for much longer. Fictionfan also enjoyed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie calling the eponymous character a wonderfully realised unconventional woman. Christine found re-reading the novel for the umpteenth time an absolute delight. Michael says this one is probably Sparks greatest novel, though his own preference lies with Memento Mori.
The Girls of Slender Means (1963) was the first of my 1960s Spark reads, I had persuaded my very small book group to read it too. I absolutely loved this novel – hugely memorable with a setting that reminded me of A Far Cry from Kensington that I read and loved so much last year. Caroline from Bookword enjoyed reading The Girls of Slender Means every bit as much as I did. She depicts the atmosphere of the book perfectly. Michael found that knowing the ending of this did not spoil his re-read of this novel and he loved it every bit as much as he did the first time. Jacqui shared her review of The Girls of Slender Means from last year. In her review, Jacqui talks about the social hierarchy at the May of Teck club. FictionFan listened to the audio book read by Juliet Stevenson, but was left a little underwhelmed.
Michael also read The Mandlebaum Gate (1965) , – I think it is Spark’s longest book – which he describes as reminding him of Graham Greene and saying it won’t be his favourite.
Michael from LT read The Public Image (1968) – which I must say I think sounds great and I am sure I will read it one day although probably not this year now. Michael describes it as being told in a flat, vapid narration that matches the theme. A husband’s revenge – with a superb ending. Madamebibliophile describes The Public Image as a wonderfully pithy satire on fame, celebrity and how women are forced into certain roles. Kirsty from literary sisters also reviewed The Public Image.
So, thank you very much to everyone who has joined in again with #readingMuriel2018 and it isn’t over yet. Phase 3 is just about to begin. This time it is all about the 1970s and we have another six books to choose from.
The Driver’s Seat (1970)
Not To Disturb (1971)
The Hothouse by the East River (1973)
The Abbess of Crewe (1974)
The Takeover (1976)
Territorial Rights (1979)
I would of course love to hear what you are planning to read for phase 3 if you are joining in.
Of course if you have posted something somewhere and I have missed you, I am very sorry. It is quite hard keeping track of everyone, please let me know and I will edit you in.
For the moment I have chosen to read two titles during phase 3 – there’s always time for me to add to these. I have chosen The Hothouse by the East River – mainly for the title – and The Takeover. I read The Driver’s Seat – last year, a hugely memorable dark little novella I loved it, but I can imagine it dividing people. I shall be very interested in seeing what other readers think of it.
Many thanks for including a link to my review, Ali – very kind. I loved the setting too. It’s hard to resist that type of environment – the opening paragraph was so evocative.
Oh yes, that opening is perfect and draws the reader immediately into that atmosphere.
Thanks for the link! I’d hoped to finish The Girls of Slender Means in time for your round-up, but life got in the way as it has an annoying habit of doing. However I’ll review it sometime this month. And I have The Abbess of Crewe lined up for phase 3…
I’ll try to remember to add a link to your review of TGofSM when it’s up. Looking forward to your thoughts on The Abbess of Crewe it sounds interesting.
I read The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Ballad of Peckham Rye for Phase 2. I thought I’d read Miss Brodie before but must have been thinking of the movie. I loved the book. I admired The Ballad of Peckham Rye but didn’t really connect with it. I’ve read The Girls of Slender Means (a favorite) and The Public Image (liked a lot) in the past, so I just have The Bachelors and The Mandlebaum Gate to read sometime. For Phase 3, I have The Hothouse by the East River and Territorial Rights to read. The only Phase 3 titles I’ve read are The Driver’s Seat which I loved and Not to Disturb.
I don’t think I connected with The Ballad of Peckham Rye either – perhaps it was a mood thing. Really glad you’re joining in with phase 3 too. Happy reading.
You *are* doing well Ali. I had intended to read one this month but failed – again! I will try to read The Driver’s Seat for he next phase though- does sound quite dark.
The Driver’s Seat is fascinating for me, because I had to ask myself why she chose to tell that story. You’ll see what I mean. It’s sharp though and beautifully controlled.
This is such an interesting summary of the responses. Thank you so much! I plan to post about The Abbess of Crewe (on Bookword on 17th May). Look forward to reading the thoughts of other bloggers on that one too.
Caroline
Thank you for joining in so enthusiastically. Looking forward to your thoughts on The Abbess of Crewe.
Thanks for the mention Ali 🙂 It’s wonderful how many people are reading Muriel this year. I also loved The Driver’s Seat but I think you’re right, it will divide people. I’ll be interested to hear what everyone makes of it!
Yes, really pleased with how many people are joining in.
Ali, I started to write my review for Memento Mori this week! I’m.so far behind. I do hope to join in again with the next phase though.
Please don’t worry about being behind, I do know how hard it can be to keep up with this things. Looking forward to your thoughts.
I did mean to join in this phase – I still have the Bachelors ready and waiting but got sidetracked by the Wellcome Prize. I love The Ballad of Peckham Rye – it’s got a crazy edge to it that I adored – my favourite Spark to date.
I think lots of people enjoyed The Ballad of Peckham Rye, I didn’t connect with it completely for some reason.
Wow – you have got a lot of participants, how fabulous!
I have, it’s been marvellous.
[…] different viewpoints of this and other Spark novels, don’t forget to visit Ali’s blog, Heavenali, where she’s running a year-long #ReadingMuriel2018 feature in honour of the centenary of her […]
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