Iris - A Memoir of Iris Murdoch
Bayley, JohnAuthor and literary critic, John Bayley, was married to writer, Iris Murdoch. Before her death in 1999, she suffered for several years from Alzheimer's. This memoir recounts in a moving, but unsentimental way, their life together.
Comments from Groups
Some people in the group felt a great deal of discomfort with the level of intimacy about Iris (especially the early days) that John talked about. Most of us really enjoyed the book however, and had a lot of admiration for the couple, their unusual relationship and the empathy with which John Bayley treated the subject matter. We found the book to be good reading, well-written and insightful. Good discussion. Rawene 001 We all enjoyed the flowing style of writing, and the unconditional love shown for Iris. We had a very interesting in-depth discussion about carers of patients with Alzheimer's disease, and had a sympathetic understanding of the issues. Matamata 001 We felt it rambled a bit - really should have been called 'John'! The value in reading it of course, is to gain some insight into Alzheimer's disease. We felt that John Bayley was courageous in writing personally of his experience. Brighwater 001 We had a very interesting and wide ranging discussion on this book. Two unusual people with a different concept of marriage, but it worked for them. It was thought provoking, and made us consider what we would do in a similar circumstance. Nelson 019 We found this well-written and enjoyed it...a glimpse into unusual lives. Wanganui 004
Pages
294
294
Year
1998
1998
Reviews
05-06-2019
Very mixed reaction. Some enjoyed the love story; John Bayley's acceptance of Iris' "odd behaviour" both when she was well, and later when suffering from Alzheimer's. One member commented that the book actually told us more about John Bayley than about Iris Murdoch!
05-06-2019
Everybody liked the book - some thought it was a bit too intimate. Most didn't have enough time to read it - we want to get it out from the library to finish, and get out the movie.
05-06-2019
Well worth the drained feeling most of us had - nearly everyone is touched by this illness.
05-06-2019
The group really enjoyed the book; the discussion ranged from light hearted banter to in depth personal discussion concerning friends and family. Group members are keen to read more by John Bayley and to delve into the writings of Iris Murdoch.
05-06-2019
"Indulgent" writing was the condemnation by a couple of our group. However all felt that he was wise to take such a positive attitude in such dire circumstances. None of us could relate to the hygiene issues!
05-06-2019
A moving description of coping with an Alzheimer's sufferer, but we didn't feel we knew Iris much better. Very lively discussion on marriage, housekeeping, relationships generally, and coping with the ageing process!
05-06-2019
Most of us really enjoyed this book with its beautiful language. But 3 out of 12 took a dislike to the writer and content - I think it was more likely a reaction to the number of other books mentioned and the literary lifestyle.