One of the books I bought with my book token today. I've only read one other Iris Murdoch (The Bell) so I'll give her another go.

When Charles Arrowby, over sixty, a demi-god of the theatre - director, playwright and actor - retires from his glittering London world in order to 'abjure magic and become a hermit', it is to the sea that he turns. He hopes to at least escape from 'the women' - but unexpectantly meets one whom he loved long ago. His Buddhist cousin, James, also arrives. He is menaced by a monster from the deep. Charles finds his 'solitude' peopled by the drama of his own fantasies and obsessions.'

I've been trying to read this book and I'm not quite sure how I managed to get as far as I did without actually slitting my own wrists! A more depressing book I have yet to find.

Dropping off tomorrow.