I think what is most genius about Murdoch's writing in The Sea, the Sea is how she manages to subtly guide the reader into the story until, without knowing how, we inhabit the main character, Charles Arrowby. 
 It happens as the author describes tiny, minute little details that Charles thinks as he writes in his diary... how he takes out the garbage, arranges the furniture, and above all what he eats at each meal, as well as how it's prepared. We wander beside him as he explores the terrain, collects rocks, describes the sea and wind. And after a while, after we begin to understand and perhaps sympathize or empathize with Charles as he slowly reveals his self-doubts, his secret vices, and his fears, we find ourselves captured in Charles' thoughts, sharing his stream of conscious deliberations and rationalizations as he observes the world around him... until we are suddenly caught in a weird and relentless story of obsession. 
 This was my first Iris Murdoch novel, and by the end of the story -- and with a great sense of satisfaction -- I knew I had read one of the best novels I'd read in years. 5 stars, and highly, highly recommended.