From the Bookshelf of Constant Reader…

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Muriel Spark

Start date: July 1, 2010

Finish date: August 1, 2010

Discussion: Classics Corner

Discussion leader: Carol

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What Members Thought

Apr 23, 2008 Pamela rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really would prefer to give this 4.5 stars--especially because I admire the way time is handled in this book--past/present/future all contained and reexamined in the novella's length, like a kaleidoscope's changing scenes. Click--there's one pattern, one way of seeing. Click, another pattern emerges. Perfect form, and Ms. Spark has a wicked, wicked needlepoint prose style.

I didn't have (and don't aspire to be) a teacher like Miss Brodie, but I can certainly see her having this cult of personal ...more

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Jun 29, 2010 Mary Ellen rated it really liked it

My reaction to this book is mixed, and I think my experience of reading it was compromised by all I "knew" about it before even starting it. The idea I had of Jean Brodie -- from vague acquaintance with the film, which I've never viewed in entirety -- did not match the character as written in the book. Brodie is a fascinating, complex, and (to me, at least) disturbing character. Her interaction with her chosen "set" of six girls, pupils she set apart at age ten and whom she continues to try to m ...more

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Jun 22, 2010 Katy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

I enjoyed reading this book back in the '60's and I enjoyed my reread. The thing that has always struck me about Muriel Spark's writing is her economy of expression. She is able to convey so much with so few words. Her ability to succinctly summarize the essential details of time, place, mood, and character is a rare talent. She does not belabor her readers with long descriptions. Her writing sparkles with precision and intelligence.
As to her prime, I think it refers to Miss Brodie's convictio ...more

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Feb 13, 2009 Kecia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 1001-books, times_100_best

My favorite book of 2009, so far at least. If you have ever had a teacher like Miss Jean Brodie you will love, love, love this book! My high school french teacher was a Miss Brodie without the manipulative qualities. Madame taught us more about living well than how to congugate verbs. Whenever I see my former classmates we always ask if anyone has heard from Madame. She was the teacher who had the most influence on my young life. I could not read about Miss Brodie without Madame's presence in th ...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Jayme Pendergraft rated it really liked it

Shelves: 1001, 2011, around-the-world-in-80-books

Probably more like 4.5 stars. I really liked the story and also the way in which the story was built. Spark is an excellent story teller and as more and more is revealed, the more I wanted to story to go on. This little book is a gem.

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