About the book
A novel about the frightfulness and ruthlessness of being in love, from the author of the Booker Prize-winning novel The Sea, The Sea
Martin Lynch-Gibson believes he can possess both a beautiful wife and a delightful lover. But when his wife, Antonia, suddenly leaves him for her psychoanalyst, Martin is plunged into an intensive emotional reeducation. He attempts to behave beautifully and sensibly. Then he meets a woman whose demonic splendor at first repels him and later arouses a consuming and monstrous passion. As his Medusa informs him, “this is nothing to do with happiness.”
A Severed Head was adapted for a successful stage production in 1963 and was later made into a film starring Claire Bloom, Lee Remick, Richard Attenborough, and Ian Holm.
Editions of A Severed Head
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780670636747
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780140020038
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780670001408
- EBook
- ISBN 9781101495834
Read an Excerpt
A novel about the frightfulness and ruthlessness of being in love, from the author of the Booker Prize-winning novel The Sea, The Sea
Martin Lynch-Gibson believes he can possess both a beautiful wife and a delightful lover. But when his wife, Antonia, suddenly leaves him for her psychoanalyst, Martin is plunged into an intensive emotional reeducation. He attempts to behave beautifully and sensibly. Then he meets a woman whose demonic splendor at first repels him and later arouses a consuming and monstrous passion. As his Medusa informs him, “this is nothing to do with happiness.”
A Severed Head was adapted for a successful stage production in 1963 and was later made into a film starring Claire Bloom, Lee Remick, Richard Attenborough, and Ian Holm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Severed Head about?
A novel about the frightfulness and ruthlessness of being in love, from the author of the Booker Prize-winning novel The Sea, The Sea
Martin Lynch-Gibson believes he can possess both a beautiful wife and a delightful lover. But when his wife, Antonia, suddenly leaves him for her psychoanalyst, Martin is plunged into an intensive emotional reeducation. He attempts to behave beautifully and sensibly. Then he meets a woman whose demonic splendor at first repels him and later arouses a consuming and monstrous passion. As his Medusa informs him, “this is nothing to do with happiness.”
A Severed Head was adapted for a successful stage production in 1963 and was later made into a film starring Claire Bloom, Lee Remick, Richard Attenborough, and Ian Holm.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Severed Head?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of A Severed Head?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780670636747
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Severed Head?
Iris Murdoch
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A Severed Head is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780670636747) and paperback(ISBN 9780140020038) and paperback(ISBN 9780670001408) and ebook(ISBN 9781101495834)
Where can I buy A Severed Head online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy A Severed Head from below
Where can I buy A Severed Head?