Sunday book pick: Myths and truths of man in Iris Murdoch’s ungovernable novel ‘The Sea, The Sea’

“There is nothing more derelict as an old actor. What have I got now but my memories?”

Iris Murdoch’s 600-page, 1978 novel The Sea, The Sea is quite simply among the most gorgeous books I have ever read. Murdoch’s 19th novel – and the winner of the 1978 Booker Prize – follows thespian Charles Arrowby who has bid goodbye to London theatre to spend his post-retirement years in Shruff End, a house by the sea. Away from the commotion and politics of London living, Charles dedicates his days to swimming, eating simple but well, and writing a memoir. What he calls a “recollection in tranquillity.” Only, he seems to be unable to decide on the structure and format. Journal entries might be the easiest, most comprehensive way to do it. Well-admired and reasonably prosperous in theatre, by his own admission, he is “a well-known self, made glittering and brittle by fame.”

Prehistory and history

In the Prehistory, the first section of the book, Charles recounts his life and the philosophies he has adopted over the years. Theatre, his profession, has “limited his human soul”. He has worried about unemployment, failure, envy, and more. The affairs with married actresses and struggling stars have enervated him. Still, there is much to…

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