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Paula K 's Reviews > The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
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Paula K 's review
bookshelves: classic, cultural, scotland, e-book, 1001, read-in-2019, favorite-books
Jan 09, 2020
bookshelves: classic, cultural, scotland, e-book, 1001, read-in-2019, favorite-books
During the latter half of 2019, I noted that many GR friends were reading Muriel Spark. Quite a few reviews of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie popped up on the site. I had seen the movie starring Maggie Smith as Jean Brodie and remembered her portrayal well. I decided I best read one of her novels as I hadn’t done so to date.
Set in 1930’s Scotland, Jean Brodie teaches in a small private school in Edinburgh. She takes a few favored young girls under her wing to teach them the ways of the world from her perspective which are seen by many as unconventional. Her chosen girls become known as the Brodie set. At first her ideals seem innocent, but as the book progresses a permeating darkness appears.
The book is narrated by Sandy, one of the Brodie set. Through her young eyes we see a subtle humor in their circumstances. Most significantly with the love life of their teacher who doesn’t find it necessary to restrain herself with all the details. Brodie’s passion and independence influence the Set’s behavior. They hold themselves above others in the school. Behind the scenes, however, develops an increasing influence that is both lovable and cruel. Mss Brodie’s control turns manipulative. She speaks of fascism and fantasy. Jean Brodie plans their future, until someone close betrays her. There are many hidden depths to this book.
Although Jean Brodie’s actions are disturbing, I couldn’t help but feel bad for her throughout the book. Her forced early retirement is sad.
A lovely book and a favorite.
5 out of 5 stars
Set in 1930’s Scotland, Jean Brodie teaches in a small private school in Edinburgh. She takes a few favored young girls under her wing to teach them the ways of the world from her perspective which are seen by many as unconventional. Her chosen girls become known as the Brodie set. At first her ideals seem innocent, but as the book progresses a permeating darkness appears.
The book is narrated by Sandy, one of the Brodie set. Through her young eyes we see a subtle humor in their circumstances. Most significantly with the love life of their teacher who doesn’t find it necessary to restrain herself with all the details. Brodie’s passion and independence influence the Set’s behavior. They hold themselves above others in the school. Behind the scenes, however, develops an increasing influence that is both lovable and cruel. Mss Brodie’s control turns manipulative. She speaks of fascism and fantasy. Jean Brodie plans their future, until someone close betrays her. There are many hidden depths to this book.
Although Jean Brodie’s actions are disturbing, I couldn’t help but feel bad for her throughout the book. Her forced early retirement is sad.
A lovely book and a favorite.
5 out of 5 stars
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Reading Progress
August 15, 2019
– Shelved
December 21, 2019
–
Started Reading
December 24, 2019
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 55 (55 new)
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Hanneke
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rated it 4 stars
Aug 15, 2019 03:41PM
Enjoy, Paula!
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Hanneke wrote: "Enjoy, Paula!"Thank you, Hanneke!
Wonderful review Paula, so glad you enjoyed it 🤗
I also picked up Spark for the first time last year, but I began with A Far Cry from Kensington, since I was going to be around Kensington.Glad that you also enjoyed her writing. You have several more to explore. I have only read three.
I’ve yet to read a Muriel Spark and this seems like a good place to start ........ great write up Paula :)
Great review Paula! Same here, I’ve not got around to reading this. Glad it was a good choice to start 2020 💕
What Richard said ;-) You’ve done a terrific job giving us Spark newbies a feel for this novel, Paula. Well done!
I've been enticed by a number of Spark reviews on here. Now I add your excellent review to the list, Paula! I keep meaning to read her too. Maybe this will be the year :)
Excellent review, Paula! A friend recommended this to me and now I'm even more interested to read it!
I also saw all the flurry of reviews by people reading Muriel Spark. I have read several of her books but not this one. I loved the movie and am worried that reading the book may be a disappointment, tho it's usually the other way around. Is the movie true to the book? Did Dame Maggie play Jean straight or embellish?
Kaceey wrote: "Fabulous review Paula!"Thank you, Kaceey!
Maureen wrote: "Wonderful review Paula, so glad you enjoyed it 🤗"Thanks so much, Maureen!
Kalliope wrote: "I also picked up Spark for the first time last year, but I began with A Far Cry from Kensington, since I was going to be around Kensington.Glad that you also enjoyed her writing. You..."
I am looking forward to exploring more of her books, Kalliope. Spark is fascinating. Glad to hear you are enjoying her work also!
Richard wrote: "I’ve yet to read a Muriel Spark and this seems like a good place to start ........ great write up Paula :)"Thank you, Richard. It is a good place to start. The book is only around 160 pages. It’s amazing that Spark fits so much to think about in such a short read.
Sandra wrote: "Great review Paula! Same here, I’ve not got around to reading this. Glad it was a good choice to start 2020 💕"Thank you, Sandra! Quite enjoyable! I hope you get the opportunity to read the author at some point.
Nicely done, Paula. It’s been years since I’ve read any Muriel Spark, but you’ve done a good job capturing the tone of this one. Definitely a unique and gifted writer.
Grand review, Paula :)) This classic is truly chilling ...
Anne, as I recall, the movie was quite true to the book. It has been years since I have seen it, though. It is not available on any streaming services I subscribe to. Ted Turner must own it.
Wonderful review, Paula. You tempt me to reread the novel. I suppose twenty years of extra life experience will make me look differently towards Miss Brodie's actions and plight.
Ann-Marie wrote: "Anne, as I recall, the movie was quite true to the book. It has been years since I have seen it, though. It is not available on any streaming services I subscribe to. Ted Turner must own it."Ann-Marie, thank you for your reply. It's been years since I saw the movie as well.
Wyndy wrote: "What Richard said ;-) You’ve done a terrific job giving us Spark newbies a feel for this novel, Paula. Well done!"Thanks so much, Wyndy! I hope you have the opportunity to read one of her books this year.
Candi wrote: "I've been enticed by a number of Spark reviews on here. Now I add your excellent review to the list, Paula! I keep meaning to read her too. Maybe this will be the year :)"Thank you, Candi! This book is under 200 pages and a delight to read. I hope you get the urge this year to make it happen!
Kristi wrote: "Excellent review, Paula! A friend recommended this to me and now I'm even more interested to read it!"Appreciate your kind comment, Kristi! Sounds like this could be a winner for your 2020 reads!
Anne wrote: "I also saw all the flurry of reviews by people reading Muriel Spark. I have read several of her books but not this one. I loved the movie and am worried that reading the book may be a disappointmen..."Anne, it was so many years ago that I saw the movie. I really liked the book even with having seen the movie first, so I would not be concerned about being disappointed. It is hard to make a comparison though with so many years in between.
Barbara wrote: "Nicely done, Paula. It’s been years since I’ve read any Muriel Spark, but you’ve done a good job capturing the tone of this one. Definitely a unique and gifted writer."Thank you, Barbara. I am looking forward to reading another of Spark’s books this year!
Beata wrote: "Grand review, Paula :)) This classic is truly chilling ..."Thank you, Beata! The book does take you by surprise. At first I thought how terrific it would have been to have had a teacher like Miss Brodie, but as the story progressed, the fascism and a few other issues changed my mind...
Ann-Marie wrote: "Anne, as I recall, the movie was quite true to the book. It has been years since I have seen it, though. It is not available on any streaming services I subscribe to. Ted Turner must own it."Thanks for your comment, Ann Marie.
Ilse wrote: "Wonderful review, Paula. You tempt me to reread the novel. I suppose twenty years of extra life experience will make me look differently towards Miss Brodie's actions and plight."Thank you, Ilse. So true that rereading this book twenty years later could make a difference in how you look at Miss Brodie’s actions. I do hope you have the opportunity to reread the book.
Susanne wrote: "Awesome review Paula1"Thanks so much, Susanne!
sue wrote: "Great review"Thank you, Sue!
Lucy wrote: "Brilliant review Paula !!"Thanks so much, Lucy!
Great review, Paula! Sounds intriguing!
I so enjoyed your review, Paula. I saw the movie years ago and remember very little. I am sure a reread is in order.
A wonderful reaview, Paula. You have a good heart.
Kristy wrote: "Great review, Paula! Sounds intriguing!"Thanks so much Kristy. Such an excellent book!
Paromjit wrote: "A great book and review, Paula. :)"Appreciate your kind comment Paromjit!
Barbara wrote: "I so enjoyed your review, Paula. I saw the movie years ago and remember very little. I am sure a reread is in order."A re-read it as much and order Barbara. I also saw the movie many years ago. And I just love reading a book now.
Julie wrote: "Great review, Paula!! 💖"Thanks so much Julie
Kevin wrote: "A wonderful reaview, Paula. You have a good heart."Appreciate your kind comment Kevin
Great review, Paula! I remember reading this one at school. Definitely need to re-read it, you've inspired me!❤📚
Excellent review, Paula. I loved reading your thoughts on this, Miss Jean Brodie is such a memorable character!
Toni wrote: "Great review, Paula! I remember reading this one at school. Definitely need to re-read it, you've inspired me!❤📚"Thank you, Toni! So glad I inspired you to read this book again!
Cheri wrote: "Excellent review, Paula. I loved reading your thoughts on this, Miss Jean Brodie is such a memorable character!"Thank you, Cheri! She is truly a memorable character!
You're kinder to Miss Brodie than I was! It's a fascinating and - to me - unexpected book.
