Iris Murdoch discussion

I like Joann's suggestion for an on line reading group. It's a great way for me to re-read Iris Murdoch's novels and maybe understand and apprecite them a little more. So I'm going ahead and suggesting we choose a book for May, which is only a couple days away but I figure the sooner we start the better. We can also start a poll for June, see how that goes. So...hopefully one book will receive more than one vote and that's the one we'll start with. My suggestion is for "The Good Apprentice" because I've been trying to find the time to re-read this one for a few months now and haven't done it yet.

I'm so glad you've kick-started the reading group idea. I've read several Murdoch novels but never had anyone to discuss them with. I'm looking forward to it!

Yeah, I'm looking forward to this too. So far The Good Apprentice is leading the votes for May. Will close the poll on 4/30/11.

Looks like it's the Good Apprentice for May. Now I just have to find the time to read the book! Enjoy everybody.

So I just started the book again and already I've noticed that knowing I'm going to be discussing it with others changes the reading experience, and hopefully the change will be a positive one. Anyway, fleeting thoughts about the first few pages:
Edward's potential has been eliminated/terminated by his friend's death and time has come to a stop for him, no future; his stepfather Harry has the "gift of eternal promise". How is that going to play out in the story?
Does the dinner party lay out the basic premise of the story in the conversation about Stuart's decision to leave school and help people, whatever that means?
This is going to be fun.

I do not get Stuart at all. If anybody's got a mental health problem in the story I think it's him, though I'm not sure what it might be. What the heck is his problem anyway?