November - The Bell by Iris Murdoch
Chosen by Angela. Average Score 7.2
Meeting on
![Picture](/uploads/7/7/7/4/7774990/4107067.jpg?145)
Dora Greenfield, erring wife, returns to live with her husband in a lay community encamped outside Imber Abbey, home to a mysterious enclosed order of nuns. Watched over by its devout director and the discreet authority of the wise old Abbess, Imber Court is a haven for lost souls seeking tranquility. But then the lost Abbey bell, legendary symbol of religion and magic, is rediscovered, and hidden truths and desires are forced into the light.
Iris Murdoch website at Kingston University here
Bookworms' Verdicts
Angela
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Had read the book before and was impressed by it, but it was not so good the second time through. The description is very clear, I felt as though I was at Imber. So much so I wondered if I'd seen a film. of the book There was interesting stuff about the different forms of love but got tired of the neurotic Michael and religion by rules. Didn't finish it.
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7
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Ceri
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Very, very high level of writing but a much lower level of actual enjoyment. It's a book about thoughts and feelings and these seemed to change hour by hour. Liked the descriptive writing about the landscape and weather and the way these mirrored the moods of the characters. The ending was subtle but perhaps too subtle.
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7
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Jackie
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First Iris Murdoch novel read. Felt that the article in the paper "Far from The Madding Crowd" summed up the people at Imber Court. Did like the descriptive writing and some parts of the story like the Abbess wading into the water to rescue Catherine.
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7
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Sarah
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Also loved the descriptions but found the characters to be very odd. Dora seemed to be just pathetic. Struggled with the book, wasn't enjoying it and couldn't be bothered to finish it.
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3
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Nick
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Pleased that the book had been chosen. Found the beginning to be a bit dated but as the scene moved to Imber Court really got into it. Also impressed by Murdoch's powers of description and the way she drew the characters. Liked Dora, she was naive and tried to please everyone but herself. The ending of the book was good for Dora because she had matured and did please herself by finally leaving Paul. Michael's life was tragic. but the homosexual theme was treated sensitively considering the book was written in the late 1950's. Really enjoyed the book.
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7
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Lisa
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Not managed to finish but enjoyed so far. Liked the very skilful way that Iris Murdoch wove the characters lives together. There were big themes: love and homosexuality, and the need for people to find their place in the world; trying to escape to get away from the pressure of things but finding you can't escape from your own personality. Very good book.
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9
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John
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10 out 10 to Angela for choosing it. Found that the booked resonated because I grew up in the 50's and 60's and the nature of faith and how you should live a "Christian life" have been constant, evolving questions for me. Excellent writing and profound themes
John's quotes and notes here |
Tony
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Liked Murdoch's ability to capture atmosphere. The characters were well-drawn but most were misfits. Escaping from their pasts to find answers but finding that their pasts caught up with them. and confronted them with who they really are.
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8
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Matt
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Loved the book - best book this year. Really got into it and very gripped by it, particularly the second half. Understood about the convent as had an aunt who was a nun and used to visit her in her convent. Really warmed to Dora but thought Michael was a pillock. The writing was high quality.
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8
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Marilyn Ab
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