Why people recommend it
Elegy for Iris is a poignant memoir by John Bayley that chronicles the final years of his wife, the brilliant philosopher and novelist Iris Murdoch, as she succumbed to Alzheimer's disease. On an episode of The Book Review titled Alice Elliott Dark on Fellowship Point, published on July 18, 2024, Liz Egan discussed various literary works with the guests and hosts. While speaking on the program about Iris Murdoch and related literary subjects, Liz Egan enthusiastically brought up John Bayley's deeply personal memoir, asking if anyone on the podcast had read Elegy for Iris. Her mention served as a natural recommendation for listeners interested in memoirs dealing with long-term partnership, caregiving, intellectual decline, and the enduring nature of love amidst the devastating impacts of cognitive illness. By weaving the book into the dialogue on The Book Review, Liz Egan highlighted a modern classic of biographical literature that captures both the brilliance of Murdoch's earlier life and the heartbreaking reality of her final chapter, encouraging the audience to explore Bayley's moving tribute.
Who recommended it
- Liz Egan Recommended
Liz Egan — 1 mention
“and speaking of Iris Murdoch I have to ask if you've read El for Iris by John Bailey”