After my fallout with Iris Murdoch about a year ago, I was of two minds whether to continue with her or not. When I reflect on it now, almost a year later, I feel that perhaps I judged it too hard. The novel had depth and character, but my inability to engage with it made me react as I did. In any case, I wanted to give her another try, so I picked Under the Net.
When I selected it as my next Murdoch read, I didn’t know it was her debut novel. And by the time I learned it, I had already purchased it, so there was no help. It’s not that I mind reading debut novels, but at this crucial point, I feared another disappointment. I needn’t have worried because Under the Net is an interesting and engaging read. The novel was a perfect debut.
This doesn’t mean that the novel was flawless. It’s that as her first, Murdoch has done a great job. The major complaint I had was with the storyline. There wasn’t a proper, coherent flow, and the story felt all over the place. Honestly, I couldn’t make head or tail of it, and only on reflection after finishing the read that I understood that the story was about a man coming to terms with himself and accepting responsibility for his life.
Happily, this fault was compensated for by the protagonist and Murdoch’s excellent writing. The protagonist, Jake Donaghue, is an interesting character. He is irresponsible and lazy. All the same, he has a kind, affectionate heart. He is a writer, but without producing any original work, he is happy to live by mediocre translations. He is troubled by his love for a woman (which he fears is unreciprocated) and his friendship with a man whom he imagines has betrayed. His antics to win his love and friendship were hilarious. And his honest analysis about himself and his life, baring all his faults, was intriguing. His very imperfections made him human and vulnerable, so that it was easy to like him and connect. I can candidly say that Jake Donaghue thoroughly entertained me.
There is no need for a preamble regarding Iris Murdoch’s writing. We all know she is an excellent writer. The very quality that she displayed in her Booker Prize winner, she displays in her very first. That shows her class. Whatever the other disappointments, I have always enjoyed Murdoch’s writing. And I very much enjoyed her writing here. I also enjoyed her light, humorous tone. It was a pleasant contrast to the satirical undertones she adopted in her later works.
Finally, I’m happy to say that Under the Net reconciled me with Iris Murdoch. It was to be the deciding factor whether I continue or sever my relationship with her. And I’m so pleased that the novel decided in her favour.
Rating: 3/5
