is yet another in that string. Honestly, I'm not sure that Muriel Spark is for me. I kind of remember liking The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie but I read it many years ago so I can't honestly say. I still have it around and have considered a re-read but just haven't gotten around to it. When I read Memento Mori two years ago, I thought there were moments of wit and intelligence but wasn't in love with it. And then this one rubbed me the wrong way from start to finish. I didn't care for any of the characters, the plot was a bit scattered and some of the "issues" seemed contrived and/or half-hearted.I think this may be my last attempt at reading Muriel Spark -- unless someone convinces me that there is just one more book I need to try to give her a fair shake. Any suggestions or is it time for me to move on?
Moving on,
K
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I had heard so much admiration for Muriel Spark that I went out and got three of them from the library. I was disappointed with them and just read them as I wanted to see what everyone else was talking about. I felt that I was very strange for not liking them so very much, so am glad that there is someone else out there for whom it did not do anything.
ReplyDeleteI do quite like Spark, but have not read everything that she has written. I would quite like to try this one with some reservations!
ReplyDeleteI tried one of her books, A Far Cry from Kensington, and was not impressed. I want to try again, but not right now; so I have no recommendations for you, I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteI hate reading slumps ... it must be hard to work up enthusiasm to even review them!
ReplyDeleteMystica - Exactly. I heard so many readers gushing about Spark so I felt a bit guilty for not liking her.
ReplyDeleteHannah - There seem to definitely be two camps on Spark. Obviously she appeals to many readers or she wouldn't be as prolific as she was!
Jenny - It will be interesting to see what you think of her on a second try. It really took me three books to come to a decision on her.
Jenners - I just don't like writing one negative review after another. It's depressing.