by Iris Murdoch
First published 2003
Jake Donaghue scrapes by in London doing translation work and relying on the generosity of his friends. He moves through a world where aspiring writers share neighborhoods with prosperous bookmakers, where movie actresses cross paths with agitated philosophers. Jake survives by his wits and charm, though his approach to life involves more taking than giving. When he encounters Anna, a woman from his past, the meeting pulls him into a chain of extraordinary escapades. These adventures force Jake to navigate the messy complications of relationships and the gap between his ambitions and his circumstances. The story follows his journey through this colorful corner of London as he confronts what it means to live authentically while depending on others.
Genres: literary-fiction, 20th-century, contemporary, adult-fiction
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: London
Period: 20th-century
286 pages · Paperback · Vintage