The Black Prince

Vintage Classics Murdoch Series

By: Iris Murdoch, Sophie Hannah

Narrated by: Anthony Howell

Brought to you by Penguin.

Vintage Classics Murdoch: Funny, subversive, fearless and fiercely intelligent, Iris Murdoch was one of the great writers of the 20th century. To celebrate her centenary, Vintage Classics presents special editions of her greatest and most timeless novels.

Every artist is an unhappy lover. And unhappy lovers want to tell their story.

Ex-tax collector and author of two unpopular novels, Bradley Pearson wishes to devote his retirement to writing a masterpiece. But the doorbell and the phone keep ringing and every ring brings with it an ex-wife, a friend in need, a sister in trouble or a young woman seeking a teacher and so dusty, selfish Bradley is plunged into the muddles and mysteries which will end in his doom.

Winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize 1973.

©1973 Iris Murdoch (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Not her best work

For much of its course, to draw a theatre comparison, this novel from the 1970s is a Shaftesbury Avenue comedy for the high minded. Misadventures and misalighnments proliferate as a ship of earnest fools sets out on a voyage to journey the sea of love.

Interesting and entertaining, and so far so good. Then the philosopher in Murdoch takes over in devising the progress to an end and dry wit morphs into dry waffle and the ship is beached.

Worth a listen, as it is beautifully read, but not the author's best.