A Fairly Honourable Defeat by Iris Murdoch tells the story of Julius King, an academic biochemist who cruelly bets with Morgan Browne that he can dissolve the relationship between the loving gay couple, Axel Nilsson and Simon Foster, by exploiting the emotional fissures in their bond, while also seeking to ruin the marriage of Hilda and Rupert Foster, intertwining the lives of friends and family in a web of manipulation and betrayal. Sensitive topics include Holocaust survival and the development of biological weapons.

Mysterious

Challenging

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

2,622 ratings

73%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

A Fairly Honourable Defeat by Iris Murdoch is praised for its complex characters and philosophical depth. Critics laud Murdoch's exploration of morality and human relationships, although some find the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is seen as a thought-provoking read that delves deep into ethical dilemmas and personal failings.

Who Should Read A Fairly Honourable Defeat?

Fans of complex character dynamics and philosophical underpinnings in fiction would enjoy Iris Murdoch's A Fairly Honourable Defeat. Similar to readers of Middlemarch by George Eliot or The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, they appreciate intricate narratives exploring human flaws, ethical dilemmas, and rich psychological insights.

4.1

2,622 ratings

73%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

A Fairly Honourable Defeat by Iris Murdoch explores complex themes of morality and human relationships, often incorporating philosophical ideas with subtle humor, typical of Murdoch's rich narrative style.

The novel includes a character named Tallis Browne, who is loosely inspired by Murdoch's real-life interest in individuals who embody moral goodness and integrity.

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Iris Murdoch's interest in philosophy and her background in the subject is evident in A Fairly Honourable Defeat, which weaves ethical dilemmas into its intricate plot, reflecting her engagement with existential and moral questions.

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Book Details

Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

British Literature

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Philosophy

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Irish Literature

Setting