Muriel Spark. Loitering with Intent. New York: New Directions, 1981.
The idea of the interaction of a work of fiction and real life has always intrigued me. I had envisioned using a similar vechicle for a story line a good while ago but, lacking both time and talent, have done nothing more than write the idea down. It is refreshing to see a real novelist developing the theme.
Muriel Spark (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie) depicts a world where the oddities of life engender a story which then, in a strange turn, creates a life of its own. Such a coincidence does remind me of the twists and turns of life. After all, something so strange could only be true.
The title itself intrigues. It is pregnant with meaning. How much of our lives at their very best are encapsulated as loitering with intent?
Not the easiest read, it is driven by a single-mindedness, or shall I say intent?
How does this speak to faith? The questions raised seem obvious in the book. Faith, intent, are inherent in life. Sometimes the mere act of loitering (listening) can be acts of faith, or of unbelief.
Makes me want to get around to my story. Maybe later . . .
8/25/06