The Bell

One of the most significant works of Murdoch, touching on the theme of man's striving for spirituality and the discovery of the self. An ancient legend states: the bell of the women's monastery of Imber fell from the bell tower... when a young nun broke her vow by secretly meeting her beloved. Centuries have passed, yet the bell is still absent from the abbey... Nor is there peace for the troubled souls of the inhabitants of the community located nearby in the estate of Imber Court. A community based on religious principles that unites people wishing to live a simple and righteous life. And when two new guests arrive at Imber Court - the energetic and straightforward Dora Greenfield and the naive eighteen-year-old Toby - the relationships between all the characters begin to intertwine into a tight knot, which will be very difficult to unravel...