Iris Murdoch

A lay community of thoroughly mixed-up people is encamped outside Imber Abbey, home of an enclosed order of nuns. A new bell, legendary symbol of religion and magic, is rediscovered. Dora Greenfield, erring wife, returns to her husband. Michael Mead, leader of the community, is confronted by Nick Fawley, with whom he had disastrous homosexual relations, while the wise old Abbess watches and prays and exercises discreet authority. And everyone, or almost everyone, hopes to be saved whatever that may mean... Iris Murdoch's funny and sad novel is about religion, the fight between good and evil and the terrible accidents of human frailty.

Bradley Pearson, narrator and hero, is an elderly writer with a 'block'. Finding himself surrounded by predatory friends and relations, Bradley attempts to escape. His failure to do so and its aftermath lead to a violent climax and a most unexpected conclusion.

Edward Baltram's nasty little prank has gone tragically wrong, and his friend has fallen to his death. Overwhelmed with guilt, Edward seeks redemption via a reunion with his famous father, reclusive artist Jesse Baltram.

A mysterious and charismatic English butler derails the marriage of his employer, a young aristocrat, in this psychological drama.

Jake Donaghue is a drifting, clever young man who makes a living out of translation work and sponging off his friends. Jake is captivated by a majestic philosopher, Hugo Belfounder, whose profound and inconclusive reflections give the book its title - under the net of language.