The Time of the Angels by Iris Murdoch - 3 stars

[Joy D]

The Time of the Angels by Iris Murdoch - 3* - My Review

Dark claustrophobic novel with philosophical overtones about an Anglican priest, Carel, his brother, daughter, niece, and household staff. It is set in a post WWII bombed-out rectory. Carel has lost his belief in the existence of God. He has isolated himself and told his staff not to allow anyone inside.

There are only a handful of characters. There is no overarching storyline. The characters represent the spectrum of good and evil, with most falling somewhere in between. Carel represents evil. His niece, Elizabeth, an innocent sheltered girl, represents goodness. His brother, Marcus, is an atheist who is writing a book about morality. Marcus wants to reconnect with Elizabeth but his brother will not allow it. Readers eventually find out why.

It has a gothic feel and may be read as an allegory. Iris Murdoch was obviously a deep thinker. It appears to me to be an examination of morality and how it changes without religion in the picture, which was becoming more prevalent after two world wars. I found it mentally engaging but emotionally distant.