Loitering with Intent - Muriel Spark : REVIEW

An enchanting short novel, set in the middle of the 20th century, in a world still feeling the effects of the 2nd World War. In a very intelligent twisted tale, we see cold but confident young novelist Fleur Talbot take up a new job at the 'Autobiographical Association'; a bizarre collection of illiterate memoir writers, where she is employed to retype the scrawlings of the lives of six grandly-titled individuals. Despite the exaggerated characters and unusual settings, the novel begins somewhat slowly; the author introducing us to the ins and outs of the main character's life and relationships, and the progress she makes with her own novel, 'Warrender Chase'. The reader is present for Fleur's realisation that the members of the association all appear to bear striking resemblances to the characters in her novel, and Fleur, in turn uses these compelling people to build on her characters. Fleur is overwhelmed by the intriguing personalities with such potential for her writing, and takes a particular liking to the head of the association, Sir Quentin's 'Mummy', Edwina. Described as an ancient 'English Rose', a 'tall, thin and extremely aged woman with a glittering appearance' and a 'scarlet gash of a smile'.

The book begins to lived up around half way through when the reader learns that Fleur's only manuscript of her novel has been stolen from her small dingy bedsit. As 'Loitering with Intent' transforms into a thriller, multiple thought processes occur in the mind of the reader: 'Who has stolen the manuscript?' 'What were the thief's intentions?' 'Will Fleur ever get her precious first novel back?' The book rapidly becomes overpowered with desperation for the relocation of Fleur's work, and the unnerving realisation that Fleur's fiction writing may have some impact on reality. The lives of the members of the 'Autobiographical Association' unfold to be intricately intertwined with the events of 'Warrender Chase', leaving a labyrinth of discovery for the reader.

Muriel Spark is clearly a highly intelligent and witty writer as she has created a brilliantly entertaining and colourful novel, working her own experiences into her work with flawless effect.