The Ballad of Peckham Rye by Muriel Spark

The Ballad of Peckham Rye by Muriel Spark
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I picked this book because I like Muriel Spark and this book is short. This was not a good one. I'm not sure if I properly understood this book, but contrary to a lot of the other reviews I don't think Dougal Douglas is actually responsible for everything (anything?) that happens. It seems to me like the residents of Peckham are very deeply flawed all on their own and just blame the new Scottish guy in town. Granted Dougal is a jerk and "likes taking the piss" but this hardly seems to make him responsible for everyone else's choices. Note that at the very beginning of the book Dixie even blames Dougal for Humphrey not being a germaphobe, but in fact, Dougal hates sickness.

"I feel as if I've been married 20 years instead of 2 hours." - Dixie

Well, I feel like I've been reading this book for 20 years instead of 2 days, so I can relate.

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The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It explores some of our worst instincts in such a carefully constructed and subtle manner. The author doesn't condescend. Despite being a short book, it leaves a lot for you to think about. I snatched this book away from Kevin who was about to read it, but it would have been a perfect book club selection.

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