In February 2018, I was reading 'The Angry Years: A Literary Chronicle' by Colin Wilson. This reading experience inspired me to give Iris Murdoch a try.

'The Bell' was the first book of hers that I read, and I truly enjoyed it. It was my introduction to her works, but I'm certain it won't be my last. The book has a unique charm, being both humorous and moving.

Published in 1958, 'The Bell' was Murdoch's fourth novel. The story follows a young, errant wife who rejoins her older, humourless, and bullying husband at Imber Court in Gloucestershire. This is a semi-religious lay community run by a diverse group of enthusiasts, located on the periphery of a closed order of nuns. The inhabitants of Imber Court are seeking a “refuge from modernity”. Despite their lofty aspirations, many of the characters are troubled by religious yearning, sexual passion, and unspoken secrets. It's also a cautionary tale for those who might be tempted to escape the pressures of modern life by retreating to a monastery or a closed order of nuns.

I was particularly impressed by how homosexuality was treated in a matter-of-fact way in the novel. I suspect this was quite unusual for a book written in 1958. For Murdoch, a person's sexuality seems less important than the effects of loving someone one may not be able to possess.

'The Bell' is an original, unpredictable, and easy-to-read novel that is also quietly profound. Love, goodness, and freedom are the main themes, which are intertwined with a compelling plot. There is a lot to enjoy in this story, and it also leaves much to think about after reading. I would rate it 4 out of 5.

DNF. I'm really finding this book to be extremely irritating.

Perhaps it's just that I'm not in the right frame of mind to appreciate it at the moment.

I think I'll just put it back on the shelf for now.

Maybe I'll come back to it when I'm in a better mood, or maybe I won't.

Who knows?

There are so many other books out there waiting for me to discover.

It's a shame that this one didn't click with me, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

I'll keep on reading and see what other literary treasures I can find.

Oh gosh, parts of this book are extremely funny! Just think about all the parties, celebrations, and gatherings of family, friends, and acquaintances that you have attended. Aren't they often hectic and chaotic, with people behaving in unrestrained and unpredictable ways? Emotions run high, arguments break out, and sensible conversations are few and far between. Readers will surely recall their own similar experiences and smile in recognition. Murdoch captures the mood at such gatherings perfectly. She truly makes you laugh! Her dialogues are simply priceless.

I am constantly amazed at Murdoch's ability to present a whole group of characters, all of whom are vividly drawn. Readers are treated to multiple in-depth character portrayals, and there is always a character that they can relate to.

Murdoch also provides an extremely perceptive and nuanced look at the emotional turmoil that homosexuals experience when first discovering their sexual orientation. She writes about the confusion that arises when one is unsure of their sexual preference, focusing on the psychological aspects rather than the societal norms and restrictions. In today's society, homosexuality is widely accepted, but it was not the case when this book was published in 1958. The book can now be seen as an interesting time capsule. I appreciate Murdoch's ease in depicting and accepting whatever a person's sexual inclination may be, as well as her focus on the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of the individual.

Another central theme in the book is religion or spirituality. The story is set in a newly established lay community attached to a 12th-century Benedictine abbey in Gloucestershire, England. A new bell is to be installed in the abbey's bell tower, and we learn the strange tale behind the earlier bell. The religious views of the community members are explored, adding another layer of depth to the story.

Themes are analyzed through the characters, each of whom is unique. Their sex, religion, hobbies, quirks, habits, and clothing are all described in detail, showing rather than telling. The characters come alive on the page, and we are able to get a sense of who they are. For example, one guy is always polishing his glasses, which makes us wonder what kind of person he is. Another, a youth about to attend Oxford, uses the word "rebarbative" in every sentence he can. We also have a jealous husband and his errant, naive wife, a journalist lover, a beautiful but unstable woman who is about to become a novice at the abbey, her brother with a drinking problem, and some nuns who can swim. The wide range of characters makes the story both thought-provoking and entertaining.

The audio version that I listened to was read by Miriam Margolyes, and her narration was outstanding. She used different intonations for each character, spoke clearly, and did a wonderful job of impersonating a diverse cast of characters, including a nun, a drunk, and a naive youth. Moreover, she did all of this without over-dramatizing. I would give five stars to the audio narration.

However, I did not give five stars to the book itself. There are some parts, such as the detailed mechanical procedures, that can be a bit dragging. On the other hand, the beginning of the book quickly grabs your attention, and the more you read, the closer you get to the characters. I also like that Dora gains confidence and matures throughout the story. The characters are not static, which I really appreciate. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would give it four stars.

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*The Black Prince 4 stars
*A Fairly Honourable Defeat 4 stars
*The Sandcastle 4 stars
*The Bell 4 stars
*The Good Apprentice 3 stars
*The Sea, The Sea 2 stars
*Jackson's Dilemma 2 stars

*The Unicorn wishlist
*The Time of the Angels wishlist
*The Flight from the Enchanter wishlist

*Nuns and Soldiers TBR
*The Italian Girl TBR
*A Severed Head TBR
*An Unofficial Rose TBR
*A Word Child TBR

*Under the Net maybe
*The Message to the Planet maybe

In the 1950s in Britain, Donna Greenfield decides that after six months of separation, it is time to return to her husband, Paul. However, Paul, an art historian, is not at their London home but at the Abbey of St. Ambrose in Gloucestershire. As he does his research at the women's monastery, he is hosted by a worldly religious community located in a nearby priory. The members of the community, led by Michael Mint and guided by their leader, sympathize with Paul and know enough about the state of his marriage not to particularly sympathize with Donna.

The Abbey has been without a bell for many years, but a new one is expected soon. The bell is expected to enter the Abbey as a new nun and will not be the only one to follow this specific process. A new girl awaits the time and moment when she will follow the nun's life, spending her time with the community until then. Everyone is excited about the prospect until the old bell is discovered! This will be the turning point for the community. All the hidden secrets will be revealed, along with everything that each person desires in that priory.

In the introduction by A.S. Byatt, whose recently Booker Prize-winning "Possession" many have read, we get to know Murdoch and her work. There, Byatt writes that "The Bell" is her first English novel, as the previous two are characterized as European. Certainly, one can see in this book what makes England England and the English English! From the characteristic suffocating and humid atmosphere in the heat of summer to the people and the way they deal with things.

"The Bell" is a book about religion and sex, yet it is not. The author touches on ethical issues that concerned people of the era, although not as openly since it was published in 1958, but which still concern people today. It touches on the issue of adultery as well as hidden passions and how we perceive them, or to what extent we are willing to truly deal with them. It is a rather progressive book for its time, especially since it speaks so openly about issues such as homosexuality. However, it also speaks of chaste love. The man who is in love with his student wants to become a priest in the future. He does not initially see this as an obstacle or something contrary to his goal. His love is chaste. Love is the most important, the most chaste emotion. However, he cannot externalize these feelings because he knows that others will not agree with him. So he is oppressed. On the other hand, the freest of all is Dora, who chose to marry Paul only to find out how independent he is. When she can no longer bear it, she leaves him and goes to her lover, only to return regretfully, to know another free spirit and together to pull the old bell from its wet grave. Not to restore it or give it to a museum, but to surprise everyone.
As one reads "The Bell", one cannot help but wonder how perceptive we are of our desires, how much we suppress our passions, and to what extent we truly live.

THE BELL (1958) is a captivating novel that delves deep into the significance of leading a spiritual life and the power of loving others in achieving this noble aim.

The story is set in Gloucestershire, specifically at Imber Court. Here, an Anglican lay community residing on an estate adjacent to a cloistered Benedictine Anglican abbey is united by their shared desire to live a contemplative life. This small group, mostly composed of men, has come together to live and work for the greater good of the Abbey, seeking to distance themselves from the complex and alienating modern world.

The community is responsible for tending to the estate and the market garden, as well as organizing daily worship activities. They eagerly anticipate two momentous events: the installation of a new bell at the Abbey and the day when one of their members will enter the Abbey and become a cloistered nun.

The narrative revolves around two central characters. Michael Mead, a chaste homosexual who initially aspired to be a priest but ended up as a schoolteacher. Imber Court has been in his family for generations, and it was his vision to establish this lay community of believers. The other important character is Dora Greenfield, a rather silly and selfish young woman leading an aimless life. She is married to an art historian who is studying medieval documents at the Abbey. Her husband is domineering and cold, and she feels no love for him.

Sustaining their utopian project will not be without challenges. Over the course of several weeks in late summer and early autumn, as the new bell is set to be installed with great pomp and ceremony, the community will be torn apart by the spiritual failures of some of its members and visitors. By the end of the novel, both Michael and Dora, in true Murdoch style, will gain self-knowledge and come to terms with their inadequacies. However, this will come at a great cost.

I found this novel more engaging than Murdoch's previous works (this being her fourth). She has abandoned her flamboyant fantasies in favor of a more realistic plot. Nevertheless, the novel still features the striking and unforgettable scenes that Murdoch is renowned for, as well as the "platonic dialogues" that explore the moral dilemmas her characters face. While many readers adore her first novels, if you're new to Murdoch and looking for a starting point, I believe this novel would be an excellent choice.

I declare myself an unconditional admirer of Murdoch.

From the depth of his characters, one can truly feel the richness and complexity that he has imbued them with.

The intense emotions that course through his pages are palpable, drawing the reader in and making them experience a wide range of feelings.

And his finales, oh his finales! They always leave me on the fence between joy and tears.

Sometimes, the endings are so beautiful and heartwarming that they bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.

Other times, they are so tragic and poignant that they make my eyes well up with tears.

But no matter what, Murdoch's writing always has a profound impact on me, leaving me thinking and reflecting long after I have turned the last page.

He is truly a master of his craft, and I will continue to be an admirer of his work for a long time to come.

Religious community life is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects such as tension, spirituality, suppressed sexuality, and practicality.

It is often a place where individuals seek solace, guidance, and a sense of belonging. However, it can also be a source of conflict and struggle, as different beliefs and values collide.

Compared to "Under the Net," this work may be less overtly philosophical, but it still delves deep into the human experience within a religious context.

The Guardian's selection of this book as one to give you hope speaks volumes about its power and significance.

It offers a unique perspective on religious community life, exploring the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows, and the moments of profound spiritual awakening.

Whether you are religious or not, this book has the potential to touch your heart and inspire you to look at life from a different angle.

So, if you are in need of a little hope and inspiration, pick up this book and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

You may be surprised by what you find.

I feel like I should have enjoyed it more. The story had so many interesting elements such as an abusive relationship storyline, someone contemplating bisexuality, injustice due to homosexuality, a lost bell, suicide, and love affairs. However, it was extremely slow-paced and written in a way that really reminded me of compulsory reads for school. By the end, I was heavily skimming through the pages. It just didn't draw me in at all. Maybe it's on me for choosing to read "modern classics" during lockdown when I've very rarely enjoyed a modern classic. I was hoping for something that would grip me from the start and keep my attention throughout, but unfortunately, this book failed to do so. I guess I'll have to be more careful when choosing my next read.

**Original Article**: This product is good. It has some nice features. But it also has a few drawbacks. Overall, it's an average product.

**Expanded Article**:

This product is actually quite good. It comes with a number of nice features that really enhance its functionality. For example, it has a sleek design that is both modern and attractive. Additionally, it operates smoothly and efficiently, providing a great user experience.

However, it's not without its flaws. There are a few drawbacks that need to be considered. For instance, the battery life could be better, and the price is a bit on the high side compared to similar products in the market.

Overall, when taking into account both the pros and cons, this product can be considered an average one. It has its strengths, but also its weaknesses. It might not be the perfect choice for everyone, but it could still be a viable option depending on individual needs and preferences. I would rate it around 3.5 stars.

This is what you get until I can bend my distracted mind towards a review.

My mind seems to be constantly pulled in different directions, making it difficult for me to focus solely on the task at hand.

There are so many distractions vying for my attention, from the constant notifications on my phone to the杂乱的 thoughts that swirl around in my head.

But I know that in order to provide a proper review, I need to reign in my distracted mind and give it the attention it deserves.

Maybe I need to find a quiet place where I can shut out the distractions and focus on the task at hand.

Or perhaps I need to practice some mindfulness techniques to help me stay present and focused.

Whatever the solution may be, I am determined to overcome my distraction and provide a thorough and thoughtful review.

I absolutely love this book.

It is truly a masterpiece that delves into the sad melancholy of lives as they bravely face up to the unyielding realities of time.

The author's use of realism is remarkable, as it peels back the layers and reveals the deep flaws that reside within us all.

This not only makes the story more relatable but also imbues the characters with such vivid colour and authenticity.

Each character seems to leap off the page, their struggles and emotions palpable.

The book takes the reader on an emotional journey, making them reflect on their own lives and the choices they have made.

It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates great literature and a deep exploration of the human condition.

This was the very first Iris Murdoch novel that I delved into, many years ago now. And from the very beginning, I was completely hooked. For months following that initial read, I became utterly obsessed with her books, devouring them one after the other. Her appeal is truly a fascinating blend of the simple and the complex. Murdoch is an outstanding storyteller, a brilliant mind when it comes to inventing captivating plots. Typically, her stories commence like realistic portrayals of English life, only to gradually morph into increasingly bizarre tales. There are outrageous entanglements of relationships and motives, sudden recognitions, unexpected reversals, and highly melodramatic confrontations. All of this is artfully mingled with ancient mythological patterns, evocative symbolism, and profound philosophical speculation on the meaning of good and evil. After all, Murdoch was not only a renowned novelist but also a distinguished academic philosopher, publishing works in both philosophy and fiction. Her novels are not only thought-provoking but also erotic and powerfully emotional.

A cynical reviewer once made the comment that Murdoch was “Enid Blyton for adults.” However, there are many of us who consider that to be the highest form of praise.

Murdoch wrote a total of twenty-seven novels. Many people believe that The Bell, which revolves around a lay religious community, a convent, and a mysterious bell resting at the bottom of a lake, is her finest work. It is certainly among the very best. Some of my other personal favorites, and excellent starting points for those new to her work, include A Severed Head (1961), which boasts a plot as delightfully convoluted as a Restoration comedy. A Fairly Honourable Defeat (1970) features a brilliant portrayal of a gay couple, Simon and Axel. The Black Prince (1973) has a unique Chinese-box narrative. The Sea, The Sea (1977) rightfully won the Booker Prize. The Philosopher’s Pupil (1983) is Murdoch’s equivalent of Middlemarch, presenting an entire fictional town filled with Murdochian characters. And then there is the story of guilt and atonement, The Good Apprentice (1985).