The Driver's Seat

Driven mad by an office job, Lise flies south on holiday -- in search of passionate adventure and sex. In this metaphysical shocker, infinity and eternity attend Lise's last terrible day in the unnamed southern city that is her final destination.

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Published May 27, 2014

112 pages

Average rating: 6.27

11 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Gail_71
Jun 04, 2025
7/10 stars
This is one of the most disturbing books I've ever read, and I liked it. At around 100 pages, it's perfect for a single-sitting read, and you'll likely need time to process it afterwards. The story follows Lise, who, bored with her office job, embarks on a meticulously planned holiday, creating a new persona and sitting between two men on a plane. What unfolds is deliciously dark. In "The Driver's Seat," Muriel Spark reveals the ending early, categorising it as a "whydunnit." It explores the motives behind the crime rather than the act itself, showcasing Spark’s talent for crafting peculiar, unhinged female characters. I wished for deeper insights into Lise’s thoughts, so I didn’t give it five stars. Despite keeping us at a distance, the book has a powerful impact and will linger in my mind. I plan to recommend it to others for discussion.

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