Reviews

The Bell by A.S. Byatt, Iris Murdoch

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grayfox14's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

bookishwendy's review against another edition

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3.0

I loved the scene with Dora and the butterfly on the train. Otherwise, I found it very slow going, and I had to research the Anglican church because I didn't realize they had nuns.(!) All in all, this book ended up leaning in a more religious direction than what I was in the mood for. There may be an abbey, but [b:The Monk|93157|The Monk|Matthew Gregory Lewis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1365712491l/93157._SY75_.jpg|3095060] this is not!

rouge_red's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

5.0

I love the fact that we started off the book with me judging how much a mess Dora Greenfield is, but at conclusion, she gets the last laugh as she seems to be the only one content with her lot in life as she looks towards the future. At the beginning, we come upon this reclusive lay community and people (at least on the surface) who seem to have their shit together- the community is self-run and when in doubt can turn to the adjoining abbey to inspire them to do better. But of course, things aren't as simple as they appear because no matter one's intentions, it's easier said than done to live the good life. This book makes you wonder if there's really a right way to do things, especially as it pertains to this community. Even if they all have a certain end goal, is it even feasible the way they've organized themselves and bound themselves to rules like no discussing their past lives, no decorating your home, living as simply as possible, etc.? I mean, by the end, I'm not surprised to discover that this community had only been around less than a year before the disastrous, but thoroughly hilarious kerfuffle that leads to its end. I liked the storyline with Michael the most, though I do wish he could have a relationship with someone who isn't in their teens. But I suppose also that that's partly why he can't find the kind of connection he needs and why he's doomed in a sense. And why his story is so damn sad as he wrestles with his own past, his ever present guilt and what society's scruples are about homosexuality. In some ways, Toby's story reminds me of Andrew's (from The Charioteer). In the end, their both "let go of", so to speak (although Michael is forced to relinquish his Toby). There is very much so that theme of a type of innocence that is still recoverable with time and distance. And with both, there is a rueful sort of hope, though I would think it inadvisable for our Michael and Laurie to pursue their respective fellows. Anyhow, this book comes full circle in a way that makes sense as we see Dora trying to figure out her place at the community throughout the book. It only comes at the cost of bringing everything out into the open and shattering the fragile peace of this tiny brotherhood. Bitch was a witch indeed.