Fantastic review. Your engagement with this biography and with M. Spark is infectious. I'm looking for this book straight away. I haven't read Spark, so I'll start here and see where it leads.
Thank you for reading, being thoughtful about it, and sharing.
Oh, I now see the biography won't be available in the states until September. Bummer. In the interim, where would you recommend I begin with Spark's work? If you could go back and pick where to begin, what would you pick up first? And to be clear, I don't need a soft intro -- recommend me the full deal.
Such a great review about a fascinating sounding book about such a complex, brilliant woman.. I really enjoyed the very model of a major Pirates of Penzance ear worm
Fascinating review. You’ve convinced me to try Spark again (and pick up this biography). I read Jean Brodie years ago and didn’t love it, but then I’d be startled to see Spark on lots of “best of” lists. So, time to try again!
An excellent review. Thank you. Spark is my favourite writer and I’ve been really looking forward to the publication of this book since I first heard about it earlier this year.
Glad to see the praise for Loitering with Intent. I think it’s one of her best. I also quite liked The Comforters. Perhaps perversely, I like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie but it’s not my favorite.
This is a great overview of Spark herself and the biography. I love Spark's work. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Memento Mori are two of my favourite books.
I’ve read almost all her novels and most of her short stories. It’s as a novelist she really excels. Some of the short stories are a little flat.I do like Portbello Road and The Twins.
My story Murder at the Death Cafe, was inspired by imagining how Muriel would have responded to bereavement. ‘Muriel Spark meets Elizabeth Kubla-Ross and kicks her ass out of town.’
Fantastic review. Your engagement with this biography and with M. Spark is infectious. I'm looking for this book straight away. I haven't read Spark, so I'll start here and see where it leads.
Thank you for reading, being thoughtful about it, and sharing.
Oh you must try Spark, such exciting books!
Oh, I now see the biography won't be available in the states until September. Bummer. In the interim, where would you recommend I begin with Spark's work? If you could go back and pick where to begin, what would you pick up first? And to be clear, I don't need a soft intro -- recommend me the full deal.
Loitering with Intent!
On it. Thank you for the rec.
Great review thanks. Shall look for this.
Enjoy!
Such a great review about a fascinating sounding book about such a complex, brilliant woman.. I really enjoyed the very model of a major Pirates of Penzance ear worm
I saw it recently and it’s stuck in my head
Of course I heard of her books but her own story is even more fascinating! Thank you for this enlightening discussion
The last thing I need is more books on my tbr, but alas I am bewitched! This review has me running to the bookstore.
Fantastic. I just ordered a copy
yay!
Yay indeed! I just finished reading my 6 month old Wolf Hall and we needed a new book. She's going to have some very strange first words....
Fascinating review. You’ve convinced me to try Spark again (and pick up this biography). I read Jean Brodie years ago and didn’t love it, but then I’d be startled to see Spark on lots of “best of” lists. So, time to try again!
Good luck!
Thank you. You are reminding me that I need to read her...finally!
An excellent review. Thank you. Spark is my favourite writer and I’ve been really looking forward to the publication of this book since I first heard about it earlier this year.
Thanks! Lmk what you think of it
Glad to see the praise for Loitering with Intent. I think it’s one of her best. I also quite liked The Comforters. Perhaps perversely, I like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie but it’s not my favorite.
Loitering my favourite I think
This is a great overview of Spark herself and the biography. I love Spark's work. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Memento Mori are two of my favourite books.
Thank you! I don’t love memento mori as much as some others, loitering with intent is my favourite I think
Okay, I will check it out. I like the title. I did think Memento was a bit confusing in places.
Girls of Slender Means also
I haven't gotten to any of her novels yet, but her short stories are astounding.
Wilson discusses some of them yes I’m reading them next
I’ve read almost all her novels and most of her short stories. It’s as a novelist she really excels. Some of the short stories are a little flat.I do like Portbello Road and The Twins.
My story Murder at the Death Cafe, was inspired by imagining how Muriel would have responded to bereavement. ‘Muriel Spark meets Elizabeth Kubla-Ross and kicks her ass out of town.’
I'd drop it here but haven't yet found out how.
What are the best three books to read by Muriel Spark in descending order of importance, to get started on her work?
among other things, I really admire the generosity of spirit in your reviews. this makes me want to read it all. cheers