Discover our November Book of the Month: The Black Prince by Iris Murdoch
This month we revisit a novel that explores the intricacies and inconsistencies of human relationships. Plus: explore our reading guide, read an extract and exclusive essay, and enter our competition
Throughout November, we’re celebrating our latest Book of the Month – Iris Murdoch’s The Black Prince, where ex-tax collector and author of two unpopular novels, Bradley Pearson, wishes to devote his retirement to writing a masterpiece. Part metafictional thriller, part love story, Murdoch’s novel was shortlisted for the 1973 Booker Prize and is now widely regarded as her best work.
Writing a phenomenal 26 novels in her lifetime, and several books on philosophy, Murdoch accrued five nominations for the Booker along the way (winning in 1978 with The Sea, the Sea) and one for 2010’s Lost Man Booker.
So this November, why not join us in reading this work by an author truly at the height of her powers.
Read an extract from The Black Prince
Bradley Pearson, narrator and hero, is an elderly writer with a ‘block’. Adding and contributing to his torment are a host of predatory friends and relations. Bradley attempts to escape. His failure to do so, and its aftermath, lead to a violent climax and a most unexpected conclusion.
Reading guide: The Black Prince by Iris Murdoch
Whether you’re new to The Black Prince or have read it and would like to explore it more deeply, discover more in our comprehensive guide which includes a synopsis, character summaries, critics’ comments and a range of discussion points.
How The Black Prince reveals the two sides of Iris Murdoch – and the conflict that lies at the heart of any writer
In this exclusive essay, Miles Leeson, Director of the Iris Murdoch Research Centre at the University of Chichester, explores how the fictional writers at the centre of The Black Prince embody two sides of Murdoch herself: the tortured philosopher in search of perfection and the prolific, publicly celebrated novelist.
Win a bundle of Iris Murdoch novels and a Booker Prize tote bag
To celebrate our November Book of the Month, we are giving you the chance to win a bundle of novels by the author and an exclusive, limited-edition, Booker Prize tote bag with an updated design for 2023. Featuring Iris, the newly-named Booker Prize trophy, each bag is emblazoned with the iconic line taken from within The Black Prince, uttered by its protagonist Arnold Baffin: ‘Every book is the wreck of a perfect idea’.
The set of novels includes six titles from Murdoch’s backlist, published in the UK by Vintage Classics: The Black Prince; A Fairly Honourable Defeat; The Sandcastle; The Sea, The Sea; The Bell; and Under the Net.
Have you read The Black Prince, or are you joining us in reading the novel this month? If so, we’d love to hear what you think in the comments below
I read it long ago. Iris Murdoch is one of my favourite novelists for her very special symbolism and multi-level plots. There’s a unique type of magic in her stories, where names, places, coincidences, banale experiences often gain significance and take the reader to the next level of reading the story. I think I’m going to read The Black Prince again, this month, thank you for this great choice!