The Bell (Vintage Classics) Book

Discover Murdoch’s wonderful writing in this compelling story of a young woman and an unusual religious lay community.A lay community of thoroughly mixed-up people is encamped outside Imber Abbey, home to an enclosed order of nuns. A new bell, legendary symbol of religion and magic, is rediscovered. Dora Greenfield, erring wife, returns to her husband. Michael Mead, leader of the community, is confronted by Nick Fawley, with whom he had disastrous homosexual relations, while the wise old Abbess watches and prays and exercises discreet authority. And everyone, or almost everyone, hopes to be saved whatever that may mean... Iris Murdoch's funny and sad novel is about religion, the fight between good and evil and the terrible accidents of human frailty.

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.