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Iris Murdoch: The Sea, the Sea, a Severed Head & Something Special

By: Iris Murdoch
Narrated by: Catherine Cusack, Full Cast, John Wood, Joyce Redman, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Victoria Hamilton
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Summary

Full-cast dramatisations and a reading of works by Iris Murdoch, plus a bonus interview with the author herself.

Booker Prize-winning author Iris Murdoch is renowned for her sublime fiction, exploring themes such as art, passion, morality and human freedom. Included in this collection are adaptations of two of her finest novels and a reading of her only published short story, as well as an edition of Writers Revealed in which Murdoch discusses her ideas and beliefs.

The Sea, the Sea

Charles Arrowby, celebrated actor, writer and director, has retired from his London world and come to the sea to become a hermit and draft his memoirs. But the past will not let him rest.... This dramatisation of Murdoch’s most famous novel, which won the Booker Prize in 1978, stars John Wood as Charles and Joyce Redman as Hartley.

A Severed Head

When Martin Lynch-Gibbon's wife runs off with her analyst and his best friend, Palmer Anderson, the three characters attempt to behave in a civilised manner. But there is the matter of Martin's mistress and Palmer's sister to contend with - and undoubtedly the thin veneer of civilisation will crack.... Iris Murdoch’s blackly comic satire on analysis and amorality stars Julian Rhind-Tutt, Victoria Hamilton and Matthew Marsh.

Something Special

Young Irishwoman Yvonne passionately believes that there is more to life than marriage to Sam, a respectable tailor's apprentice. But a night out in Dublin forces her to confront reality.... Read by Catherine Cusack.

Writers Revisited: Iris Murdoch

Iris Murdoch talks about faith, religion and the creative process in conversation with Rosemary Hartill.

©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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What listeners say about Iris Murdoch: The Sea, the Sea, a Severed Head & Something Special

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brilliant production

this is a brilliant production and the actors are superb, they convey the writing

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

awful narration

the narration is very dated. exaggerated over dramatised and changes the tone of the book . I read it and loved it but the acting here is awful and off putting

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Sounded like a Am dram farce

Did not realise it was BBC dramification With music it sounded like a farce
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