Elegy for Iris
Elegy for Iris
Book Brief
Beta275
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Oxford, England • 1990s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Elegy for Iris by John Bayley is a memoir detailing the life of Iris Murdoch, focusing on her battle with Alzheimer's disease. Through personal anecdotes, Bayley portrays Iris as a talented author and cherished partner, highlighting their enduring relationship and the challenges posed by her condition, offering insight into her life and their shared experiences.
Melancholic
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
3,107 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Bayley's Elegy for Iris offers a poignant memoir of his life with Iris Murdoch, capturing the tender yet heartbreaking descent of her Alzheimer's. Praised for its emotional depth and candidness, some critiques highlight its lack of narrative structure. Bayley's prose is celebrated as both intimate and insightful, providing a touching tribute to love and loss.
Who Should Read Elegy for Iris?
A reader who appreciates Elegy for Iris by John Bayley is likely drawn to poignant memoirs exploring love, memory, and loss. Fans of reflective narratives like Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking and Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie would similarly enjoy Bayley's tender portrayal of life with Iris Murdoch.
3,107 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elegy for Iris is written by John Bayley, who was a British literary critic and an Oxford professor, known for his insightful analysis of literature.
The memoir provides a personal glimpse into the life of Bayley's wife, Iris Murdoch, who was a renowned philosopher and novelist, highlighting their unique relationship.
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The book gained widespread attention for its candid and poignant portrayal of living with a partner affected by Alzheimer's disease, sparking discussions on the topic.
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275
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Oxford, England • 1990s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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