In Muriel Spark’s brilliantly dark novella, a search for adventure, sex and the obsessional experience turns into a journey of self-destruction
Loitering with Intent
Written by Muriel Spark
- Shortlisted
- The Booker Prize 1981
- Published by Bodley Head
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A would-be novelist takes inspiration from life - but then finds the tables are mysteriously turned, in Muriel Spark’s entertaining literary joyride
When Fleur Talbot takes up work for the snobbish Sir Quentin Oliver and the venal members of his Autobiographical Association she is secretly delighted. Here is inspiration for her villain, Warrender Chase. But when Sir Quentin steals the finished manuscript for his own lunatic ends, life begins to imitate art with uncanny - and dangerous - predictability, for more than one of her characters has met an untimely end…
Muriel Spark
Muriel Spark was born in Edinburgh. A poet and novelist, she also wrote children’s books, radio plays, a comedy and biographies
More about Muriel Spark Other nominated books by Muriel Spark
A rising movie star begins to believe in her own meticulously manufactured public image in Muriel Spark’s cautionary tale of fame and identity
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Reading guide: Loitering with Intent by Muriel Spark
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Where to start with Muriel Spark: a guide to her best novels
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