Driven To Disaster (The Main Character, Not The Book) - Rated 
As the minimal 109 page novel `The Driver's Seat' by Muriel Spark opened I knew that with the main character Lise I, as the reader, was in for quite an unusual treat, mind you Muriel Spark always manages to create something quite special with any book she writes. As we meet her Lise is having a bad moment in a changing room whilst shopping for a dress for her impending holiday. The bad moment in question seems to be tearing of a dress in an offended rage after being told `the material doesn't stain' leads her to feel the saleswoman is being insulting by insinuating something or some things. As we spend more time with the ever contrary Lise you begin to realise that she is definitely not quite right mentally, yet when we look at her perfect uber-tidy and neat flat and her regular sixteen year job we begin to question ourselves.
In fact it seems that the holiday the dress is for is actually some form of much needed escape for Lise and so she in a way firmly grips the drivers seat of her life and promptly goes completely off the rails into crazy unknown territory, starting at the airport before she has even boarded the plan, meeting a small quirky cast of characters along the way and heading towards a climatic life event for herself. I can't give away anymore than that without spoiling the plot. I will say that the opening paragraph of chapter three had me says `what, no, surely not'. No more shall I say on the subject of plots though.
I will say I think this has almost instantly become my favourite Spark yet. In comparison to some of the other works of hers I have read this has the darkest undertone despite its bright cover and flamboyant lead character. It also packs one of her hardest punches. It also sees Muriel dabble in a genre that I wouldn't have seen her try and yet she does brilliantly in her own Sparkish way. I realise I sound vague but I do so hate to spoil things and this is a book that should not be spoiled in any way at all and in fact if you haven't read must be read immediately.
ONE OF SCOTLAND'S BEST EVER... - Rated
Spark is, of course, best-known for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, but this book was, apparently, one of the author's own favourites.
Disturbing, funny, and acutely observed, this short novel (perhaps even short enough to be called a novella) follows the movements of a woman who has gone over the edge.
Spark's own life and background is worth scanning, if even briefly, before reading this - there can be few authors whose powers of observation and telling detail are applied to portraits of characters who we'd probably prefer not to scrutinise too closely.
A truly original story, with a small cast of memorable characters and a lingering afterburn reminiscent of the best ever produced by Du Maurier.
Highly recommended.
Grueling Drive through the Labyrinth - Rated 
Amazingly concise yet fluid writing. Probably one of Spark's finest works yet somehow overlooked. If you want to know how to write a crisp, well-plotted novella this is one of the best examples out there. The plot twists make the story - I must admit I thought I saw one coming but there is no audience cheat here. The suspense just keeps on building. I won't give away plot points. No spoilers here. Just read it.
The Driver's Seat - Rated
This is a realy interesting book which makes you question what you expect from reading and why. All the obvious pattern are absent in this novella which left me feeling lost and confused throughout, however upon completion this seemed entirely suitable. The Driver's Seat follows Lise the main character as she holidays somewhere in the south and seems to create her own ultimate ending. She is in the driver's seat as she takes control of her life and also her end, or is she? Reading this was an entirely new experience in novel reading and one which has opened my eyes to new and different literary forms. I would recoment this novel, it is interesting, different and unusual.
Mind Blowing - Rated
Lise is bored of her mundane life and decides to go on holiday but in search of what? Ths piece follows the story line of a classic murder story with a seriously twisted end. An extremely intelligent and mind blowing text from Muriel Spark.
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