BOOK BRIEF

Elegy for Iris

John Bayley
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Elegy for Iris

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

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John Bayley

Elegy for Iris

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

275

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Genre
British Literature

Biography
Setting

Oxford, England • 1990s

Theme
Marriage
Topic
Mental Illness

World History

Love & Sexuality
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.0

3,107 ratings

64%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.0

3,107 ratings

64%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

275

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Genre
British Literature

Biography
Setting

Oxford, England • 1990s

Theme
Marriage
Topic
Mental Illness

World History

Love & Sexuality
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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