Iris Murdoch (1919-1999) was born in Dublin, grew up in London, and received her university education at Oxford
and Cambridge. For many years she taught philosophy at Oxford. She was the author of twenty-six novels, and also
wrote several works of philosophy, criticism, and drama.
Summary
A lay community of thoroughly mixed-up people is encamped outside Imber Abbey, home of an order of sequestered
nuns. A new bell is being installed when suddenly the old bell, a legendary symbol of religion and magic, is rediscovered.
And then things begin to change. Meanwhile the wise old Abbess watches and prays and exercises discreet authority.
And everyone, or almost everyone, hopes to be saved, whatever that may mean. Originally published in 1958, this
funny, sad, and moving novel is about religion, sex, and the fight between good and evil.
