Not to Disturb
57. Muriel Spark, Not to Disturb
On a dark and stormy night in the Swiss countryside, the servants at a grand estate speculate about the fate of their master and mistress. The Baron and Baroness Klopstock are meeting with their secretary in the library, and they have given strict orders that they are not to be disturbed for any reason. The servants know that this meeting will inevitably end in death, yet they calmly carry out their masters’ orders to the letter. They also scheme about how to make the most money possible out of this impending catastrophe, concocting stories for the press and negotiating movie rights.
This was my first experience with Muriel Spark, but it most likely won’t be my last. I will admit that I didn’t fully appreciate this book, but I think it’s my fault rather than the novel’s. This is a black comedy written with a very light touch, and I think it would make a very interesting movie or play. I didn’t quite understand everything that was going on - the motive for the deaths is left somewhat unclear, although readers can make an educated guess - but the outcome is delightfully morbid. I look forward to trying something else by Muriel Spark.