The Unicorn

By Iris Murdoch | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

About the book

A brilliant mythical drama about well-meaning people trapped in a war of spiritual forces

Marian Taylor, who has come as a “companion” to a lovely woman in a remote castle, becomes aware that her employer is a prisoner, not only of her obsessions, but of an unforgiving husband.

Hannah, the Unicorn, seemingly an image of persecuted virtue, fascinates those who surround her, some of whom plan to rescue her from her dream of redemptive suffering. But is she an innocent victim, a guilty woman, a mad woman, or a witch? Is her spiritual life really some evil enchantment? If she is forcibly liberated will she die? The ordinary, sensible people survive, and are never sure whether they have understood.

Editions of The Unicorn

Hardcover
ISBN 9780670740772
Paperback
ISBN 9780140024760
EBook
ISBN 9781101494240

Read an Excerpt

A brilliant mythical drama about well-meaning people trapped in a war of spiritual forces

Marian Taylor, who has come as a “companion” to a lovely woman in a remote castle, becomes aware that her employer is a prisoner, not only of her obsessions, but of an unforgiving husband.

Hannah, the Unicorn, seemingly an image of persecuted virtue, fascinates those who surround her, some of whom plan to rescue her from her dream of redemptive suffering. But is she an innocent victim, a guilty woman, a mad woman, or a witch? Is her spiritual life really some evil enchantment? If she is forcibly liberated will she die? The ordinary, sensible people survive, and are never sure whether they have understood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Unicorn about?

A brilliant mythical drama about well-meaning people trapped in a war of spiritual forces

Marian Taylor, who has come as a “companion” to a lovely woman in a remote castle, becomes aware that her employer is a prisoner, not only of her obsessions, but of an unforgiving husband.

Hannah, the Unicorn, seemingly an image of persecuted virtue, fascinates those who surround her, some of whom plan to rescue her from her dream of redemptive suffering. But is she an innocent victim, a guilty woman, a mad woman, or a witch? Is her spiritual life really some evil enchantment? If she is forcibly liberated will she die? The ordinary, sensible people survive, and are never sure whether they have understood.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Unicorn?

Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre

Where can I read a sample of The Unicorn?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780670740772

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Unicorn?

Iris Murdoch

Who is the Publisher of the book The Unicorn?

Penguin Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Unicorn is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780670740772) and paperback(ISBN 9780140024760) and ebook(ISBN 9781101494240)

Where can I buy The Unicorn online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy The Unicorn?