Irish-born writer, Iris Murdoch often dealt with everyday conflicts and household problems in her books, and Under the Net is no exception. She was known for her perfectionism to writing and not allowing editors to change her work. Under the Net was released in 1954 and is the first published novel by Iris Murdoch.
Modern Library ranked Under the Net at #95 on its list of ‘the greatest English-language novels of the twentieth century‘.
Synopsis
Jake, a broke writer with no home, seeks to find an old girlfriend, Anna and her actress sister, Sadie. He also crosses paths with an old friend, Hugo, whose philosophy he once tried to interpret. These encounters have Jake, and his eccentric sidekick Finn, stumble into a series of adventures that include; kidnapping a dog, political riots, and a quest for love hoping that in all, he’ll become a recognised writer.
Under The Net Book Review
The books main character, James Donaghue (Jake) is a writer and translator, in his early thirties. Playing the starving artist he must find a way to make a living, find a place to call home and win back the woman he loves.
It’s worth noting that Jake’s cousin Finn provides the majority of the comic relief due to his goofy nature and inability to grasp many social interactions.
'All theorizing is flight. Indeed it is something to which we can never get close enough, however hard we may try as it were to crawl under the net.' - Iris Murdoch Click To TweetDespite frequent uses of sexism and flashes of racism from both Jake and his companions, the story never becomes offensive in any way, rarely straying from its upbeat tone.
Murdoch’s use of imagery had me swept away, with her delicate details of busy streets, giving every environment its own special touches. She offers up some extraordinary human insights that have you taking to the characters in no time.
The highlight comes from Jake and Finn trying to steal a Stunt Dog from its home, via a cage that’s too big to fit through the door. This shows the characters charm and their human qualities, which are present throughout.
Closing Thoughts on Under the Net
Under the net is an enjoyable book with plenty of fun set-pieces to keep you entertained. Littered with philosophical metaphors it will also have you thinking about the true banalities of life. This, along with what it means to love, and why we do it, have you thinking way after finishing.
There are, however, times when the plot can meander from side-to-side and not move forward for short periods but other than that, Under the Net is a light-hearted book that doesn’t take itself, or its characters, too serious.
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