Book Reviews

‘The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.’ Alan Bennett

“Many a book is like a key to unknown chambers within the castle of one’s own self.” ― Franz Kafka

Sunday 8 September 2013

Bellman and Black - Diane Setterfield





William Bellman is just past his tenth birthday when he takes aims at a rook with his catapult; despite the seemingly impossible distance, the target is indeed met and the bird struck dead. Though he doesn’t dwell on it, this unsettling moment is set to ultimately shape and overshadow William’s whole future existence. 

He works hard and becomes a successful mill owner and happy family man with a lovely wife and children, seemingly very fortunate, but then his world is hit by terrible tragedy and loss. He notices a curious, inscrutable figure appearing in the graveyard, dressed all in black, and interprets that they have made an incredible agreement that will help him retain what still matters to him. As a result, William becomes creator of a shop devoted to everything relating to mourning on a grand scale. William pours himself utterly into his work, suppressing feelings and memories of what has gone before. But he is somehow haunted and can never be rid of his past.

The rook is a portent, a symbol throughout the story, always hovering, lurking, lingering, seemingly influencing Bellman’s path, and redressing the balance. More about the nature of the rook and its character is revealed in short asides interspersed throughout the novel.

I found this a dark, atmospheric and unusual Victorian tale depicting a man’s glorious rise and tragic fall; cleverly written and structured, it made me think about the joy and sadness of life. William is hardworking, caring and likeable, yet he is transformed into a shadow of his former self. The gradual unfolding of events, the shadowy, ghostlike figure of Black and the discovery of Bellman’s destiny all rendered this an intriguing, mysterious and compulsive read. 



Published by Orion

Originally reviewed for lovereading.co.uk, thanks to them and the publisher for an advance proof copy of this book to read and give an honest review. 

20 comments:

  1. Ooooh sounds very intriguing Lindsay! And that cover is gorgeous, in an eerie sort of way. :)

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    1. It is an appropriate cover Toni, dark and a bit spooky, suits the tale! Thanks for commenting, I hope all is well with you.

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  2. Liking the sound of this and what a great cover, very atmospheric.

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    1. Thanks for commenting Tracy. I like it too.

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  3. I read a review of this on another blog, drawn by the cover and the feel of this one. Thanks for the review lovey.

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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    1. Thanks for commenting Lainy. I've read several reviews of this one so far and it's had a mixed reaction.

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  4. I considered requesting this from netgally, kind of wish I had now!

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    1. I'm not sure if it's still there or not Lucy, hope you get to read it.

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  5. I like the UK cover better than the US one. I was going to pass on it but then I got a NetGalley invite so I'll give it a go.

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    1. Me too Ellie. I look forward to your thoughts on this one. I liked it but I've seen varied reactions to it. Thanks for commenting.

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  6. I'm looking forward to this one, I got an invite from NetGalley so I'll probably pick it up nearer Halloween. Glad you liked it :)

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    1. Thanks for commenting Sam. I loved the writing and the dark shades to the story. I hope you like it too.

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  7. Hi,
    can you please send me your rules for give aways
    thanks
    this is my new book

    http://www.amazon.com/Life-Into-Mist-Haidji/dp/1490505598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372180964&sr=8-1&keywords=haidji
    and my blog
    www.haidji.blogspot.com
    Best Regards
    Haidji

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  8. I can not wait to read this one and I love that cover!

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    1. Thanks for commenting Melissa. I saw this one mentioned in your planned reading on your blog, I hope you like it.

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  9. Nice review, Lindsay! Bellman's story looks quite interesting. I liked the cover too - perfect for the story.

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    1. Thanks for your kind comment Vishy. They've definitely got the cover right for this one.

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  10. Thanks for stopping by my blog last week.

    What a great review. I can't wait to read this book. I love Diane Setterfield's books.

    Going to follow by BlogLovin'...already an e-mail subscriber.

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    1. Thanks for commenting Elizabeth, and for following!

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  11. Wonderful review. I look forward to getting my hands on a copy.
    -Dilettantish Reader

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