Carol’s review of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie > Likes and Comments

I like that comparison, Carol! But MurielSpark is amuch better writer. I found Dead Poets Society disappointing when I read it, and loved the movie - an unheard of thing for me. Muriel Spark can do no wrong in my world. I love her morbid characters. Most of all Lise in The Driver's Seat.

Only read parts, when the film came out. Yay for you.

Haha, Carol! Iago? Do you really think Miss Brodie so evil? Spark is a master building nuanced psychological characters and moral dilemmas. I was reminded of Flannery O'Connor, basically for the dark humorous tone of this short novel.
You'll beat me writing a review, but I am excited to read your extended thoughts!

Dolors wrote: "Haha, Carol! Iago? Do you really think Miss Brodie so evil? Spark is a master building nuanced psychological characters and moral dilemmas. I was reminded of Flannery O'Connor, basic..."

Yes, I do. O'Connor is a very interesting comparison, not least because of their respective approaches to Catholicism. You've given me a wonderful focus for contemplation there.

Lisa wrote: "I like that comparison, Carol! But MurielSpark is amuch better writer. I found Dead Poets Society disappointing when I read it, and loved the movie - an unheard of thing for me. Muriel Spark can do..."

Lisa, you're right, of course. I was referring solely to the plot and characters, not writing quality. In any event, I'm well aware that Spark and her legion of fans will require a more nuanced, detailed and thoughtful review of her most famous work.

Maybe. But Jean Brodie came first.

Before Iago? I think not.

Carol: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie first saw publication in The New Yorker magazine before being published as a book by Macmillan in 1961. It was made into a film in 1969.
Dead Poet's Society was released in 1989, so what you say just can't be done. Please don't try to take the credit away from Muriel Spark. ;)

There must be some confusion. I made no suggestion that ms spark took another work and constructed her novel. I commented on aspects of the novel in comparison to reasonably well known other literary works.

OK, Carol, there might have been. I believe you; no problem.
Have a wonderful week. :)

I like this entire thread/discussion. I'll have to re-read Miss Brodie and see what I missed umpteen years ago. : )

Thank you so much for liking our discussion, Julie. Yes, do read the book again and even watch the film if you can. Some books and films you like even better the second time.
Please read my review too on Miss Spark's book and comment on it if you want to. Thank you. :)

Julie wrote: "I like this entire thread/discussion. I'll have to re-read Miss Brodie and see what I missed umpteen years ago. : )"

Julie, it's a delightful read, but I'm not convinced that you missed anything back in the day unless you say it is so after your re-read. Warning: discussing it in less than worshipful terms appears to be capable of starting the GR version of a bar fight. :)

I love Muriel Spark-and this novel is one of my favorites! I've read it several times and never get tired of it.

Your comparison to Dead Poet's Society is an interesting one. Aside though from the superb quality of Spark's writing, there are no heroes in Brodie. Even the victims are not purely victims. Sparks'[ characters are more comple, I think, than those of Dead Poet's.

I want to reread both books, though, in light of your review. Thank you!

Ellie wrote: "I love Muriel Spark-and this novel is one of my favorites! I've read it several times and never get tired of it.

Your comparison to Dead Poet's Society is an interesting one. Aside though from the..."

Ellie, What's your second favorite Spark work? While the film is s cultural touchstone for many, including me, of course, the novel version of Dead Poets typically doesn't inspire recommendations. Is it also a favorite work of yours?

No, I find the writing in Dead Poets relatively weak. I love Spark's The girls of slender means and especially far cry from Kensington.. Memento Mori is also wonderful.

The one book of hers that I haven't read that's supposed to be outstanding is Loitering with Intent. That's high on my TBR list.

Ellie wrote: "No, I find the writing in Dead Poets relatively weak. I love Spark's The girls of slender means and especially far cry from Kensington.. Memento Mori is ..."

Adding the first two now to my TBR. Thank you, Ellie.

J jnnn

Either there are some major time zone differences or you missed the weekend :)

Sidharth wrote: "Either there are some major time zone differences or you missed the weekend :)"

My relationship with time has long been a bit tortured. I've grown accustomed to dwelling in a permanent state of guilt over like transgressions.

Colin wrote: "Or rather: "The writer of Dead Poets Society took this book, replaced... (etc)... and poof, he had a film"... :)
Funny, I didn't even think of DPS when I was reading it but you're right there are ..."

That's a great point, Colin. Spark's talent is the key to the success of JB as a character.

Carol, good points!

Carol
I'm presuming you know this was written long before Dead Poets Society lest you think miss Spark copied from anyone. One of the great classic Scottish novels and endures still.

Henry wrote: "Carol
I'm presuming you know this was written long before Dead Poets Society lest you think miss Spark copied from anyone. One of the great classic Scottish novels and endures still."

Yes, I do. I find it most interesting that several commenters are more preoccupied with timelines than content. My comment is entirely about content and for the benefit of those who haven't yet read it and are determining whether to do so.

Or rather, take The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, replace the young women with young men, and you have Dead Poets Society. Because TPoMJB was written long, long before the movie was made.

I just picked this up from the library to read & have enjoyed reading this discussion. I've also noted the other books recommended here. Thanks!

Christina wrote: "Or rather, take The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, replace the young women with young men, and you have Dead Poets Society. Because TPoMJB was written long, long before the movie was made."

I hear an echo. That might be because my response immediately before this comment addressed numerous commenters unduly preoccupied with the irrelevant issue of timing. Also 28 years is not a “long, long” time on any planet, but again, hardly relevant.

Sparrowapril wrote: "I just picked this up from the library to read & have enjoyed reading this discussion. I've also noted the other books recommended here. Thanks!"

You’re welcome,sparrow! I hope you enjoyed Prime — share your thoughts if you have time.

It would be the reverse, as Dead Poets Society is the later work.

Hunting wrote: "It would be the reverse, as Dead Poets Society is the later work."

*sigh*. See comment 25 perhaps.

Interesting comparison, and I admit I don't remember Dead Poets in an detail, but I don't think the Williams character manipulated his pupils for his own vicarious pleasure, and to their own detriment, did he?

Cecily wrote: "Interesting comparison, and I admit I don't remember Dead Poets in an detail, but I don't think the Williams character manipulated his pupils for his own vicarious pleasure, and to their own detrim..."

He did not. Hence the replacement of the Robin Williams character with Iago.

You can consider mona lisa smile

Spot on about Iago!

Rania wrote: "Spot on about Iago!"

*high five*

The bit about fascism seems important too - it's what I've always known about this novel prior to reading it

Rebecca wrote: "The bit about fascism seems important too - it's what I've always known about this novel prior to reading it"

It is. Interesting that I didn't know that prior to reading. Actually, I knew little to nothing of the plot and hadn't seen the movie before reading, so I met it all new without any expectations except of greatness. What did you like most about it, Rebecca?

Spot on.

Ian wrote: "Spot on."

Ian, it’s so refreshing to read a comment on this review that isn’t pearl-clutching - signed, another reader who gave it 4 stars 😞

That’s high praise in my opinion, Carol! I’ve been meaning to read another Spark, thank you :)

Jennifer wrote: "That’s high praise in my opinion, Carol! I’ve been meaning to read another Spark, thank you :)"

Jennifer - thank you! Highly recommended. let me know what you think if/once you read it.

You all do know that this book was published 38 years before Dead poets Society, right?

Kathleen wrote: "You all do know that this book was published 38 years before Dead poets Society, right?"

Yes, we all do know that. See comment 25 above.

Thank goodness you pointed me there. It was hidden, among other comments. I don’t think the interest in the timeline is “undue” though, given the brevity of your initial review. You have instinct and insight, Carol! Don’t betray me! Jk

Or Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire? Hee hee.

Not at all. In DPS the teacher wants the best for his students and truly inspires them to follow their own paths. Jean Brodie is selfish and egotistical and even predatory by the end. I don't find these comparable at all other than for both being teachers.

Only DPS was sentimental tosh, and this isn't.

😂👍🏽

Sounds like you did not read it! Jean Brodie is not the Iago character...