Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Orion (2013), Hardcover, 352 pages
Description
Killing a bird with his slingshot as a boy, William Bellman grows up a wealthy family man unaware of how his act of childhood cruelty will have terrible consequences until a wrenching tragedy compels him to enter into a macabre bargain with a stranger in black.
User reviews
LibraryThing member slavenrm
As usual, I received this book not through actually purchasing it but because someone gave it to me for review. In this case the book came from a galley giveaway on ShelfAwareness. Despite that kind consideration I'm still not afraid to roast even a free book with a scathing review. Luckily in this
Firstly, it should be noted that I religiously avoid reading the back jackets of books, so going into this one I had only the cover and the subtitle "A ghost story" to go on. Because of that I spent a fair amount of time looking for the literal ghost only to find that the ghosts that haunt William Bellman are of a completely different sort than one generally expects from children's literature.
On the positive side of things, this book is a deliciously subtle story of one man's haunted life. Setterfield weaves her story and her characters together with a sagacious and haunting assiduousness that pulls the reader gently along from one short chapter to the next. This is an acutely wrought novel with a tenacious grip on realism while still washing the entire scene in an afterglow of the supernatural. I've not read anything this well written in quite some time. Our author brings us a tale as unhurried and as natural as life itself.
The only real negative I can put forth is really more of a warning to potential readers. This is a great book but it's likely not for everyone. For those accustomed to the pablum of easy modern literature, I suggest humbly that you look elsewhere. For those reading by the pool in the joyous light of day, perhaps your time is better spent between other pages. But if you find yourself in a darkened room listening to the rumble of far-away thunder, then this may be the book for just that setting. It is not a gripping thrill ride, but it does take you gently by the hand and pull you quietly into another world where the sky harbors a thousand watching eyes and time does not undo all wrongs nor heal all wrongs.
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case, no such conflagration is necessary.Firstly, it should be noted that I religiously avoid reading the back jackets of books, so going into this one I had only the cover and the subtitle "A ghost story" to go on. Because of that I spent a fair amount of time looking for the literal ghost only to find that the ghosts that haunt William Bellman are of a completely different sort than one generally expects from children's literature.
On the positive side of things, this book is a deliciously subtle story of one man's haunted life. Setterfield weaves her story and her characters together with a sagacious and haunting assiduousness that pulls the reader gently along from one short chapter to the next. This is an acutely wrought novel with a tenacious grip on realism while still washing the entire scene in an afterglow of the supernatural. I've not read anything this well written in quite some time. Our author brings us a tale as unhurried and as natural as life itself.
The only real negative I can put forth is really more of a warning to potential readers. This is a great book but it's likely not for everyone. For those accustomed to the pablum of easy modern literature, I suggest humbly that you look elsewhere. For those reading by the pool in the joyous light of day, perhaps your time is better spent between other pages. But if you find yourself in a darkened room listening to the rumble of far-away thunder, then this may be the book for just that setting. It is not a gripping thrill ride, but it does take you gently by the hand and pull you quietly into another world where the sky harbors a thousand watching eyes and time does not undo all wrongs nor heal all wrongs.
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LibraryThing member MaureenCean
Between a 3.5 and a 4 really. I am quite pleased that I listened to this book narrated by Jack Davenport - it may be the best way to experience a dark gothic mystery such as this, with this man's fine voice and accent that made me feel transported to setting's time and place. I had been worried
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when I read a few of the not-so-good reviews, but I needn't have been. The detail of millwork was interesting, and William's success in seemingly single handedly making mourning over into a thriving industry was a bit thrilling. The portrayal of his business sense was quite fun. The climax falls a little flat, but the ending that follows is almost lyrical. I enjoyed this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member JaneSteen
Where I got the book: e-ARC from Edelweiss.
Like many people, I was attracted to Bellman & Black because it was written by the author of The Thirteenth Tale, which had stuck in my mind as an awesome story. Like many reviewers, I feel a bit let down by Setterfield’s latest excursion into the realms
The story begins well—as a child, William Bellman kills a rook, and it is obvious from the rook-lore surrounding the story that this action is going to have its consequences. And then it takes forever to get anywhere near those consequences, as William grows up, leaves old relationships behind, marries and has children. During this part of the story I learned a great deal about dying cloth, which was pretty interesting, and loved Setterfield’s language as she painted vivid pictures of William’s life and the landscape in which he moved.
And then the story took a darker turn and William met Mr. Black and set up a department store for mourning goods. Again, fascinating details, world-building, and so on. And then the story really failed to go anywhere. I felt that a whole lot more could have been made of the link between the rook and the consequences, and of Mr. Black.
Setterfield is a great writer, there’s no doubt about that. I found myself easily comparing her prose style to such literary greats as Thomas Hardy and D.H. Lawrence. But there’s more to a novel than just good writing. To make a book really sing you also need a rock-solid story that the reader can latch onto, that makes them nod their head and say “yes, that’s what should happen here”. To fail to do that produces a sense of disappointment, and that’s what I felt by about the last fifth of the book.
Still, if you’re into atmosphere and love Victoriana in general, you might enjoy this read. Two stars for the story but an extra star for the writing.
Like many people, I was attracted to Bellman & Black because it was written by the author of The Thirteenth Tale, which had stuck in my mind as an awesome story. Like many reviewers, I feel a bit let down by Setterfield’s latest excursion into the realms
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of the slightly creepy. The story begins well—as a child, William Bellman kills a rook, and it is obvious from the rook-lore surrounding the story that this action is going to have its consequences. And then it takes forever to get anywhere near those consequences, as William grows up, leaves old relationships behind, marries and has children. During this part of the story I learned a great deal about dying cloth, which was pretty interesting, and loved Setterfield’s language as she painted vivid pictures of William’s life and the landscape in which he moved.
And then the story took a darker turn and William met Mr. Black and set up a department store for mourning goods. Again, fascinating details, world-building, and so on. And then the story really failed to go anywhere. I felt that a whole lot more could have been made of the link between the rook and the consequences, and of Mr. Black.
Setterfield is a great writer, there’s no doubt about that. I found myself easily comparing her prose style to such literary greats as Thomas Hardy and D.H. Lawrence. But there’s more to a novel than just good writing. To make a book really sing you also need a rock-solid story that the reader can latch onto, that makes them nod their head and say “yes, that’s what should happen here”. To fail to do that produces a sense of disappointment, and that’s what I felt by about the last fifth of the book.
Still, if you’re into atmosphere and love Victoriana in general, you might enjoy this read. Two stars for the story but an extra star for the writing.
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LibraryThing member amandacb
Bellman & Black explores “The Butterfly Effect” on a gothic, morbid scale; Will Bellman’s seemingly unintentional act of animal cruelty as a young boy has lasting and spreading effects as he continues to age. Throughout the novel, the “rook” (a crow, essentially) is cast as the harbinger
Will takes over a family business and his life becomes consumed with entrepreneurship; the book does become immersed in the details of his businesses, which I personally found engrossing. However, for each bit of happiness Will experiences, the rook flits through the pages, bringing another round of death and sadness for Will. Instead of properly dealing with his losses, they propel Will to work harder, shunning any kind of pleasure for the sole purpose of work. At each funeral Will attends, he meets a man simply named Black. They go into business together; the terms are vague. The business consumes Will and he becomes determined to “pay back” Black his portion of the profits. The ending, while not necessarily a surprise, is still a bit of a letdown—while Will is not a warm and fuzzy character, he is not a moral reprobate.
Which brings us to the crux of the problem with Bellman & Black – why did the simple act at the beginning of the novel, something that, truly, was not fully intended in a malicious manner on Will’s part, bring about such devastation in the end? Will killed a rook—so everyone he loves dies. I feel that Setterfield wants us to dig deeper into the allegory of the novel; one small act can wreak larger havoc, yes, but if a person does not boldly face a problem or an issue, Setterfield seems to say, it all becomes exacerbated. If only Will had taken small moments to enjoy his pleasures more (as evidenced at the very, very end of the novel, when he went through just the very few happy memories he had). If only Will had been, yes, a bit more selfish and lived his life more for himself instead of being regulated by the external world.
All in all, this novel is more profound than what it seems. I also found the minutiae of running a mill and starting a goods business quite fascinating; it fed into the larger theme of small gears making everything else tick (or break, as it were).
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of death, interspersed by factual tidbits about the rook’s eating habits, scientific names, and so on. The juxtaposition of the rook as a death symbol with these reminders of the unavoidability and impersonality of nature serve to remind us that death does become us all. So why was Will Bellman targeted?Will takes over a family business and his life becomes consumed with entrepreneurship; the book does become immersed in the details of his businesses, which I personally found engrossing. However, for each bit of happiness Will experiences, the rook flits through the pages, bringing another round of death and sadness for Will. Instead of properly dealing with his losses, they propel Will to work harder, shunning any kind of pleasure for the sole purpose of work. At each funeral Will attends, he meets a man simply named Black. They go into business together; the terms are vague. The business consumes Will and he becomes determined to “pay back” Black his portion of the profits. The ending, while not necessarily a surprise, is still a bit of a letdown—while Will is not a warm and fuzzy character, he is not a moral reprobate.
Which brings us to the crux of the problem with Bellman & Black – why did the simple act at the beginning of the novel, something that, truly, was not fully intended in a malicious manner on Will’s part, bring about such devastation in the end? Will killed a rook—so everyone he loves dies. I feel that Setterfield wants us to dig deeper into the allegory of the novel; one small act can wreak larger havoc, yes, but if a person does not boldly face a problem or an issue, Setterfield seems to say, it all becomes exacerbated. If only Will had taken small moments to enjoy his pleasures more (as evidenced at the very, very end of the novel, when he went through just the very few happy memories he had). If only Will had been, yes, a bit more selfish and lived his life more for himself instead of being regulated by the external world.
All in all, this novel is more profound than what it seems. I also found the minutiae of running a mill and starting a goods business quite fascinating; it fed into the larger theme of small gears making everything else tick (or break, as it were).
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LibraryThing member SheTreadsSoftly
Bellman & Black is the much anticipated second novel by Diane Setterfield, author of The Thirteenth Tale.
When he was ten years old, William Bellman was out playing with a group of friends. He aimed his slingshot at a rook on a dare, fully anticipating he would miss. He didn't. He remembers this
As death begins to take people around him, William alone is the only one who perceives the man in black to be ever present at every funeral, or watching from the distance or out of the corner of his eye. Eventually, William talks to him and makes a mysterious deal with Mr. Black and sets his sight on opening Bellman and Black, a shop in London specializing in mourning and funerals. Even while his business is wildly successful, William Bellman mental health is slowing starting to fragment, and Mr. Black is always on his mind, unseen, or perhaps just a fleeting glimpse in the distance.
Bellman & Black is an atmospheric Gothic novel set in the Victorian Era when funerals and mourning were an important ritual in society. Setterfield did an excellent job setting the novel in this time period and historical context. Her research is commendable. But, then, as shown in The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield is a phenomenal wordsmith who can write descriptions that will resonate with you throughout the whole book. She sets the tone exquisitely in Bellman & Black. Tidbits of folklore/information about rooks that will slowly facilitate the sense of dread and foreboding as you are reading are interspersed after chapters.
The atmospheric tension present in Bellman & Black is not of the breathless-galloping-action type, but, rather, the dread and foreboding very slowly build and the reality of the presumed menacing threat is unclear and hazy. This does make Bellman & Black a rather slow read, which in itself is not bad. The actual haunting is more subtle and subjective than most ghost stories. While we are aware of the implied mythology behind the rooks and their appearance in the story, the haunting of William based on his childhood action seems cryptic and vague.
Highly Recommended
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Atria/Emily Bestler Books via Netgalley for review purposes.
When he was ten years old, William Bellman was out playing with a group of friends. He aimed his slingshot at a rook on a dare, fully anticipating he would miss. He didn't. He remembers this
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foolish act the rest of his life. And the rooks do too. When William grows up he joins his uncle in his textile business. He is a natural at business with a fine eye for detail, and helps the family business succeed among their competitors. William marries, starts a family and it seems his life is set. Except there is a enigmatic man dressed in black who always seems to be there, in the background someplace, as are the rooks.As death begins to take people around him, William alone is the only one who perceives the man in black to be ever present at every funeral, or watching from the distance or out of the corner of his eye. Eventually, William talks to him and makes a mysterious deal with Mr. Black and sets his sight on opening Bellman and Black, a shop in London specializing in mourning and funerals. Even while his business is wildly successful, William Bellman mental health is slowing starting to fragment, and Mr. Black is always on his mind, unseen, or perhaps just a fleeting glimpse in the distance.
Bellman & Black is an atmospheric Gothic novel set in the Victorian Era when funerals and mourning were an important ritual in society. Setterfield did an excellent job setting the novel in this time period and historical context. Her research is commendable. But, then, as shown in The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield is a phenomenal wordsmith who can write descriptions that will resonate with you throughout the whole book. She sets the tone exquisitely in Bellman & Black. Tidbits of folklore/information about rooks that will slowly facilitate the sense of dread and foreboding as you are reading are interspersed after chapters.
The atmospheric tension present in Bellman & Black is not of the breathless-galloping-action type, but, rather, the dread and foreboding very slowly build and the reality of the presumed menacing threat is unclear and hazy. This does make Bellman & Black a rather slow read, which in itself is not bad. The actual haunting is more subtle and subjective than most ghost stories. While we are aware of the implied mythology behind the rooks and their appearance in the story, the haunting of William based on his childhood action seems cryptic and vague.
Highly Recommended
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Atria/Emily Bestler Books via Netgalley for review purposes.
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LibraryThing member thehidingspot
Deftly written with gorgeous language and phrasing, Diane Setterfield's newest novel, Bellman & Black, is sure to resonate with readers. Subtitled A Ghost Story, the novel fulfills the role in an unexpected manner: it isn't a specter or monster that haunts the main character Bellman and the reader,
Bellman & Black tells the tale of William Bellman, a man blessed with good health, good fortune, and happiness. No one would dispute that Bellman works hard what he has. Smart, attractive, and successful, Bellman leads a charmed life. But what is his happiness worth? Because, as Bellman comes to realize, all actions have a consequences and time always comes at a price.
Bellman's story is interspersed with information and anecdotes about the rook, which plays both a literal and symbolic role in Bellman's life. These short chapters are beautifully written and are sometimes factual, sometimes anecdotal. The rook itself becomes a central character in the novel, who, if not mentioned for a period time, becomes, curiously, almost missed.
It's hard to describe the premise of Bellman & Black. What struck me most after completing the novel was how little actual action was contained in its pages compared to the amount of thought and contemplation spurred by the story. This may come as a surprise to some who see the subtitle A Ghost Story and expect the typical scary story. To be clear, Bellman & Black is most definitely a ghost story - and I would say it is, in many ways, much scarier than any paranormal story might be. Bellman's story forces readers to consider the price of their own lives... To consider the happiness and fortune they've been blessed with in their lives and how much payment might be owned to the figurative man in black that haunts Bellman's every conscious - and often unconscious - thought.
I haven't read Setterfield's first, and immensely popular novel, The Thirteenth Tale, but, after Bellman & Black, I feel I need to. Setterfield is a powerful storyteller who leads readers with a light hand to thoughts and feelings that, even if we might now acknowledge them often, have a steady weight that influences our lives and choices. Bellman & Black is not to be missed.
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it's everyday actions, intentional and otherwise.Bellman & Black tells the tale of William Bellman, a man blessed with good health, good fortune, and happiness. No one would dispute that Bellman works hard what he has. Smart, attractive, and successful, Bellman leads a charmed life. But what is his happiness worth? Because, as Bellman comes to realize, all actions have a consequences and time always comes at a price.
Bellman's story is interspersed with information and anecdotes about the rook, which plays both a literal and symbolic role in Bellman's life. These short chapters are beautifully written and are sometimes factual, sometimes anecdotal. The rook itself becomes a central character in the novel, who, if not mentioned for a period time, becomes, curiously, almost missed.
It's hard to describe the premise of Bellman & Black. What struck me most after completing the novel was how little actual action was contained in its pages compared to the amount of thought and contemplation spurred by the story. This may come as a surprise to some who see the subtitle A Ghost Story and expect the typical scary story. To be clear, Bellman & Black is most definitely a ghost story - and I would say it is, in many ways, much scarier than any paranormal story might be. Bellman's story forces readers to consider the price of their own lives... To consider the happiness and fortune they've been blessed with in their lives and how much payment might be owned to the figurative man in black that haunts Bellman's every conscious - and often unconscious - thought.
I haven't read Setterfield's first, and immensely popular novel, The Thirteenth Tale, but, after Bellman & Black, I feel I need to. Setterfield is a powerful storyteller who leads readers with a light hand to thoughts and feelings that, even if we might now acknowledge them often, have a steady weight that influences our lives and choices. Bellman & Black is not to be missed.
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LibraryThing member pierthinker
This ghost story follows William Bellman from carefree youth through his rise in commerce, first at the Bellman Mill and then at Bellman & Black, his London department store dedicated to the business of death and mourning in Victorian England. William becomes obsessed with death after a dreadful
A good picture of how obsession, in any field, can drive someone to question all that they do and all that they are. Not very scary, though.
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family tragedy and, in seeing his daughter saved, devotes himself to repaying what he sees as his debt to the Reaper. Setter field uses the raven as the harbinger of death and as the metaphor of the inevitability of death. William Bellman is an impossibly talented man drawn into a life of constant business achievement and ultimately completely separating himself from his family as he descends into what I think is madness.A good picture of how obsession, in any field, can drive someone to question all that they do and all that they are. Not very scary, though.
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LibraryThing member Sable677
Bellman and Black is the first book that I have read by Setterfield, and I found it to be a well written haunting tale. Bellman & Black is not written as your typical ghost story, but it does haunt the reader just the same. William as a young boy kills a rook, and that moment ends up haunting him
Received a copy of Bellman & Black through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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the rest of his life even if it is not always in the forefront of his mind. William leads a full life with a wife and his children until tragedy strikes, and William enters into a deal that changes things dramatically. Black is never really present in the book except for a few moments here and there, but William is constantly awaiting his return. Building his new business, William tries to bury himself in work, but nothing can stop what haunts him for long. Setterfield does deliver a compelling tale that proves hard to forget.Received a copy of Bellman & Black through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Quiltinfun06
Terribly disappointed in Setterfield. Loved The Thirtheenth Tale and was so excited to see her new book. I couldn't get into it. It was exhausting. There were hints of some ghostlike/otherworld activity promised but wasn't enough to keep me clued in.
LibraryThing member dorolerium
This is the sort of novel that left me saying “hmm…” at the end, but in a good way. We meet William Bellman on the day of the event – the killing of the rook. And then we follow him through most of the rest of his life.
William is a driven man, smart and interested in improving things at the
This novel is billed as a ghost story, and I think if you go in expecting that to be the case, you may end up disappointed. It’s closer to historical fiction combined with the question of: what happens to a man who refuses to acknowledge grief? Is the man in black a figment of William’s imagination, a ghost, a real person, or a representation of William’s own mortality? These are questions I had throughout the book, and I’m still not sure what the answers are!
This is the second novel by Diane Setterfield, and after reading comparisons between this and her first novel, I deliberately read this one first. I wanted to give it a fair shake and not compare it to her other work. As a result, while it wasn’t my favorite novel ever, I did enjoy it. It’s one of those stories where not much happens, but you get an interesting look into the textile business in Victorian England, which moves into a story about the mourning industry during the same time frame. As a historical study, it was fascinating in a lot of ways.
More than anything though, this is a story about tragedy. I was moved to tears a few times because of things that happened, and it reminded me of how fragile life was, and still is. This isn’t a novel for everyone, so you’ll probably either really like it or really hate it.
William is a driven man, smart and interested in improving things at the
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family mill, which he ultimately takes over after the untimely death of his Uncle Paul. As various tragedies come through his life, William begins to notice a man dressed in all black who attends the funerals of everyone he knows. Desperate to find out who this man is, William starts to go a little mad in some ways, eventually believing he has struck some sort of deal with this man…even though he doesn’t really know what that deal is.This novel is billed as a ghost story, and I think if you go in expecting that to be the case, you may end up disappointed. It’s closer to historical fiction combined with the question of: what happens to a man who refuses to acknowledge grief? Is the man in black a figment of William’s imagination, a ghost, a real person, or a representation of William’s own mortality? These are questions I had throughout the book, and I’m still not sure what the answers are!
This is the second novel by Diane Setterfield, and after reading comparisons between this and her first novel, I deliberately read this one first. I wanted to give it a fair shake and not compare it to her other work. As a result, while it wasn’t my favorite novel ever, I did enjoy it. It’s one of those stories where not much happens, but you get an interesting look into the textile business in Victorian England, which moves into a story about the mourning industry during the same time frame. As a historical study, it was fascinating in a lot of ways.
More than anything though, this is a story about tragedy. I was moved to tears a few times because of things that happened, and it reminded me of how fragile life was, and still is. This isn’t a novel for everyone, so you’ll probably either really like it or really hate it.
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LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
Ten-year-old William Bellman killed a rook with his homemade slingshot. This one small act of cruelty would follow him the rest of his life. His life seems, at first, to be on an endless upward trajectory. He is hired at his uncle’s mill where he works hard. But it is due mostly to the deaths of
At each of the many funerals he attends, he has seen a man in black. Although the man seems harmless, his presence upsets William. But, eventually William picks up the courage to speak to the man he calls Black and the man has a suggestion for a business venture (or so William thinks), the funeral industry, William jumps at this opportunity and, since death is always with us , he is soon making more money than ever. His life revolves around his work. He has left Dora in the country and rarely sees her. If he attends any social gathering, it is to further some business deal and, as soon as this is accomplished, he leaves. He moves into the business, which he has called Bellman & Black despite the fact that he has not seen Black since that day in the graveyard.
Bellman begins to roam the store at night and, surrounded by the trappings of death, he begins to seem less substantial, more like the ghost of a man. He becomes obsessed with the return of Black and what he believes he owes him. He loses weight, his sleep is interrupted by nightmares of birds and his heart beats too fast.
William is, essentially, a good man. He treats his employees well and he loves his family. But even before the deaths of his family, he seems to be lacking something. When his uncle dies, he seems more concerned with work time lost than with the death itself; he seems indifferent to the deaths of his cousin and a close friend; he is devastated by the loss of his family but quickly abandons his one surviving daughter to return to business. Even as a child he felt bad about killing the rook but he quickly forgot his initial anguish at its death. But it's not that William doesn't care, he just refuses to deal with his losses, and has found, through business a way to avoid them. It is only near the end of his story, when Black finally returns that he learns that the opportunity Black had offered wasn't business or money and it only when he accepts the real offer that William can finally rest.
I had a hard time writing this review because my original assessment of the book was a resounding 'meh'. Oh, I loved the parts about the rooks, the legends and the different names for them. I liked how Dora, after her terrible illness and in her funeral black comes to resemble a rook and how her story parallels and then diverges from her father's. But these passages seemed buried in long descriptions of William's businesses. It seemed at first glance more the ghost of a story than an actual ghost story. It was only when I began to read it again to try to see if I had missed something that I realized how layered this story. It is not a ghost story in the traditional sense and that will, no doubt disappoint many, but, for those willing to look deeper, it is a haunting story of obsession and the importance of remembering our pasts so that we can live in the present.
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his uncle and then his cousin that his good fortune begins. He has a family he loves and his life seems perfect. Then a terrible illness hits the town, stealing William’s wife and all but one of his children, his daughter Dora. At each of the many funerals he attends, he has seen a man in black. Although the man seems harmless, his presence upsets William. But, eventually William picks up the courage to speak to the man he calls Black and the man has a suggestion for a business venture (or so William thinks), the funeral industry, William jumps at this opportunity and, since death is always with us , he is soon making more money than ever. His life revolves around his work. He has left Dora in the country and rarely sees her. If he attends any social gathering, it is to further some business deal and, as soon as this is accomplished, he leaves. He moves into the business, which he has called Bellman & Black despite the fact that he has not seen Black since that day in the graveyard.
Bellman begins to roam the store at night and, surrounded by the trappings of death, he begins to seem less substantial, more like the ghost of a man. He becomes obsessed with the return of Black and what he believes he owes him. He loses weight, his sleep is interrupted by nightmares of birds and his heart beats too fast.
William is, essentially, a good man. He treats his employees well and he loves his family. But even before the deaths of his family, he seems to be lacking something. When his uncle dies, he seems more concerned with work time lost than with the death itself; he seems indifferent to the deaths of his cousin and a close friend; he is devastated by the loss of his family but quickly abandons his one surviving daughter to return to business. Even as a child he felt bad about killing the rook but he quickly forgot his initial anguish at its death. But it's not that William doesn't care, he just refuses to deal with his losses, and has found, through business a way to avoid them. It is only near the end of his story, when Black finally returns that he learns that the opportunity Black had offered wasn't business or money and it only when he accepts the real offer that William can finally rest.
I had a hard time writing this review because my original assessment of the book was a resounding 'meh'. Oh, I loved the parts about the rooks, the legends and the different names for them. I liked how Dora, after her terrible illness and in her funeral black comes to resemble a rook and how her story parallels and then diverges from her father's. But these passages seemed buried in long descriptions of William's businesses. It seemed at first glance more the ghost of a story than an actual ghost story. It was only when I began to read it again to try to see if I had missed something that I realized how layered this story. It is not a ghost story in the traditional sense and that will, no doubt disappoint many, but, for those willing to look deeper, it is a haunting story of obsession and the importance of remembering our pasts so that we can live in the present.
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LibraryThing member judylou
When William Bellman kills a rook with his slingshot as a young boy, he has no idea that this incident will haunt him for the rest of his life. As a young man, in the time of the Industrial Revolution, William learns the trade in his Uncle’s mill. He is a personable young man, charming and
When tragedy strikes the village, William’s charmed life comes to an end. His loved and loving family are struck down with illness, leaving only his daughter alive. But she lives a half-life; the illness has ravaged her mind. Her presence is a constant reminder to William that the drunken deal he made with the man in black has inevitable consequences. He builds a mourning emporium – a department store full of mourning clothes and equipment – which he names Bellman & Black. William’s life continues to spiral downwards.
Despite her way with words, Setterfield’s second book did not impress me. The promised ghost story never really manifested. The creepy rooks never really became a part of the story, being relegated to added extras between chapters. Mr Black did not become a real part of the story. He was only ever suggested at and it was unclear to me if he was a rook in human form, a ghost, or a symbol of William’s conscience.
The ever present Mr Black, the Gothic setting, and the many tragedies in the story should have added up to a creepy, if not altogether spooky story. But unfortunately, the threads just didn’t seem to weave together successfully and I felt more confusion than suspense
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handsome and well-liked by the workers as well as his peers. One by one William’s childhood friends are dying and at each funeral William notices a mysterious man, dressed in black who attends the graves, but never the churches. This is Mr Black.When tragedy strikes the village, William’s charmed life comes to an end. His loved and loving family are struck down with illness, leaving only his daughter alive. But she lives a half-life; the illness has ravaged her mind. Her presence is a constant reminder to William that the drunken deal he made with the man in black has inevitable consequences. He builds a mourning emporium – a department store full of mourning clothes and equipment – which he names Bellman & Black. William’s life continues to spiral downwards.
Despite her way with words, Setterfield’s second book did not impress me. The promised ghost story never really manifested. The creepy rooks never really became a part of the story, being relegated to added extras between chapters. Mr Black did not become a real part of the story. He was only ever suggested at and it was unclear to me if he was a rook in human form, a ghost, or a symbol of William’s conscience.
The ever present Mr Black, the Gothic setting, and the many tragedies in the story should have added up to a creepy, if not altogether spooky story. But unfortunately, the threads just didn’t seem to weave together successfully and I felt more confusion than suspense
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LibraryThing member c.archer
This was not a ghost story in the most literal sense. That said, the primary character did deal with a haunting of sorts. I will not spoil things by telling you who actually did the haunting, but suffice to say that it will take some thinking to figure it out entirely. That is pretty much the idea
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
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behind this book. It is a thinking book, so you will not enjoy it as much if you are looking for pure entertainment. I very much enjoyed the start of the book as well as much of the descriptions of the millworks and department stores of the era. The author certainly did some wonderful research, and I believe rendered a true and accurate picture of the time. She also writes beautifully. I really enjoyed reading many of the passages for the beauty of the words and the pictures that they evoked. Although the book did not continue to inspire me in the later half, I did enjoy the story and found it to be very worth reading. I think it is a book that could be appreciated even more on rereading. It will be a story that will continue to cross my mind for some time. Because of the beauty of the writing and the thoughtfulness of the subject, I do recommend this book to some readers. I liked it, and I'm sure that many people will also appreciate the work the author put into this tale. If you like Dickens or current authors like Ken Follett, you will probably enjoy Bellman & Black.Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
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LibraryThing member happyhinsons
Ms. Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale is one of my all-time favorite books, so when I received this galley in the mail I was thrilled. I was even more excited to see that this was a “ghost story” as I love a good suspenseful story. Although in the end it was not the thriller I was expecting, I
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did enjoy the novel and hurried through it until the end. Bellman’s story is full of symbolism and reminders of what is important in life. Although I did enjoy reading the story of Bellman, I can’t say that this book was on par with The Thirteenth Tale, and for that I was a bit disappointed. Overall, it is definitely worth the read. Thanks to Atria for sending me the advance copy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Iudita
There were some lovely things about this book. It was very atmospheric & full of symbolism .It read almost like a fairy tale at times and I enjoyed the writing. However, I thought the plot was a bit unsatisfying. It was always hinting at some great moment to come that actually never happened. I
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enjoyed the ending which I thought was clever and which made me appreciate everything that came before it. Show Less
LibraryThing member ddelmoni
Yesterday around noon a flock of black birds, heading south, entered my New Jersey neighborhood as they do every year. I had just finished reading Bellman & Black so this clearly was a sign. I’ll never look at crows or black birds the same way ever again (now I call them “Jersey Rooks”).
IMHO
I too read The Thirteenth Tale years ago and loved it. Everyone I knew read it. The publishers marketing hype, pretty much saying Satterfield wrote in the vein of Daphne du Maurier, did the trick. But I’m glad I read it years ago as I believe that all authors deserve to have their work stand and be judged individually.
Make no mistake this novel is about Bellman’s life – from childhood to his death bed – and not a mirror of her earlier work. The only thing these two novels have in common is the authors’ skill as a writer. Bellman & Black was well worth the wait and proves Setterfield is not a one hit wonder and will author works far superior to a genre maven that some would like her to be.
Scale of 1-10: 7.5
IMHO
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Bellman & Black is a ghost story, an allegory and gothic tale sprinkled with magical realism – small threads of all 4 building the novels’ atmosphere and suspense. Setterfeld is a master at weaving these threads to create an engaging story. B&B will get into your head without you even knowing. Readers should beware, however, you may find this a deeply scary story about your own walk through life. I too read The Thirteenth Tale years ago and loved it. Everyone I knew read it. The publishers marketing hype, pretty much saying Satterfield wrote in the vein of Daphne du Maurier, did the trick. But I’m glad I read it years ago as I believe that all authors deserve to have their work stand and be judged individually.
Make no mistake this novel is about Bellman’s life – from childhood to his death bed – and not a mirror of her earlier work. The only thing these two novels have in common is the authors’ skill as a writer. Bellman & Black was well worth the wait and proves Setterfield is not a one hit wonder and will author works far superior to a genre maven that some would like her to be.
Scale of 1-10: 7.5
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LibraryThing member WeeziesBooks
Bellman & Black: A Ghost Story by Diane Setterfield is a book that I read in two days and it kept me captivated. I read it quickly for several reasons including the mystery of Mr Black, the promise of a ghost story and because I am fascinated with ravens, crows, rooks, and black birds. I was drawn
I absolutely fell in love with Setterfield’s first novel “The Thirteenth Tale” and it was the cover that drew me in and the story and characters that kept my undivided attention throughout the novel. I was not quite as taken with “Bellman & Black” although I really enjoyed the book. The novel begins with the scenes of young boys who are both friends and relatives, playing together and children do, and how they watched William demonstrate his beautifully crafted slingshot. This novel follows William as he matures, makes a life of his own and lives through wonderful and difficult times. He has such a unique and driven personality and it was very interesting to see how the writer used his character to form and move the story as the years progressed.
I had a bit of trouble making the connection with the man “Black” though there are strong scenes painted along the way which give an impression of the meaning. My mind kept flashing on other movies and books such as a new PBS series which I will not name for fear of creating a spoiler. I would recommend this book but caution the reader not to expect a second, “The Thirteenth Tale” as it is uniquely different, and although it is a ghost story, it is not of the sort that is scary in a traditional definition. Setterfield does a very good job of creating depth to her characters and I found his daughter Dora and Lizzie, a seamstress, two of the most well developed supporting characters. I give this book a 3.5 rating and look forward to her next novel.
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in by Setterfield’s quotations about rooks, which I will not quote because I am reviewing an uncorrected advanced copy. My own research confirmed that these are four distinct birds and that crow, ravens and rooks are all part of the same direct family. It is easy to see the size difference between crows and ravens as the latter, thinking of Poe, are very large birds that I was able to observe on a visit to the East coast. Crows are in abundance in Bodega Bay, California as featured in Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” In my imagination Setterfield conveyed the sense of mystery and tension when describing both a lone black bird (rook) or a large grouping of them flying together is what seem to be perfect communication. I absolutely fell in love with Setterfield’s first novel “The Thirteenth Tale” and it was the cover that drew me in and the story and characters that kept my undivided attention throughout the novel. I was not quite as taken with “Bellman & Black” although I really enjoyed the book. The novel begins with the scenes of young boys who are both friends and relatives, playing together and children do, and how they watched William demonstrate his beautifully crafted slingshot. This novel follows William as he matures, makes a life of his own and lives through wonderful and difficult times. He has such a unique and driven personality and it was very interesting to see how the writer used his character to form and move the story as the years progressed.
I had a bit of trouble making the connection with the man “Black” though there are strong scenes painted along the way which give an impression of the meaning. My mind kept flashing on other movies and books such as a new PBS series which I will not name for fear of creating a spoiler. I would recommend this book but caution the reader not to expect a second, “The Thirteenth Tale” as it is uniquely different, and although it is a ghost story, it is not of the sort that is scary in a traditional definition. Setterfield does a very good job of creating depth to her characters and I found his daughter Dora and Lizzie, a seamstress, two of the most well developed supporting characters. I give this book a 3.5 rating and look forward to her next novel.
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LibraryThing member ZabetReading
Woo Hoo!! Just got an EARC. I didn't even know Setterfield was releasing a new book but I LOVED The Thirteenth Tale and can't wait for this one!!
LibraryThing member bibliobeck
What a glorious read. Setterfield paints an ethereal landscape populated with believable characters and a hauntingly good tale. A thoughtless and forgotten boyish act of killing a rook, haunts William Bellman's life; and as he prospers, the haunting gathers apace. Setterfield's novel is dreamy and
Bellman pays dearly for his moment of childhood cruelty, although he fails to understand this until the very end.
The lyrical nature of this book kept me wanting to read every delicious word and devour the story of Bellman's life as he leaves his colour-filled world behind and becomes absorbed in the ever increasing shades of black that envelop him and his life. A truly feather-filled delight.
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otherworldly - the literary equivalent of a Tim Burton film. The theme of rooks and glistening black-green beauty flows throughout the novel. Birds are everywhere and even Bellman's daughter takes on a bird-like appearance. Bellman pays dearly for his moment of childhood cruelty, although he fails to understand this until the very end.
The lyrical nature of this book kept me wanting to read every delicious word and devour the story of Bellman's life as he leaves his colour-filled world behind and becomes absorbed in the ever increasing shades of black that envelop him and his life. A truly feather-filled delight.
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LibraryThing member jpporter
Diane Setterfield established quite a reputation with her novel The Thirteenth Tale, and she lives up to it with her second novel, Bellman & Black, which takes place in England, one assumes during the latter part of the 19th century.
The story traces the life of William Bellman, the son of the
This story works on several levels. On the surface this is a supernatural/suspense story, but only marginally so; the effect of this aspect serves to maintain a certain level of apprehension in the reader. The story could have been told without this element, but it wouldn't have been quite as darkly tinged as it is, which I think is part of Setterfield's intent.
The main level is that of being a character study of a man whose desire to prove himself - coupled with the talent to excel in his endeavors - becomes the central essence of his perception of his existence. This naturally leads to an examination of talent and impulse left unchecked, and how they can lead to obsession. It is at this level that Setterfield is at her best, and the level at which the story is most successful.
If there is a flaw in this book (and it is almost flawless), it is that Setterfield uses her impressive narrative skills perhaps too much: there are parts that seem overly long - though not by much - while at the same time certain ideas seem left undeveloped. While generally quite satisfied with the reading experience, I can't help but feel that something has been left out. That feeling, however, does not detract from the overall pleasure her book provides.
I heartily recommend this book.
The story traces the life of William Bellman, the son of the
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"black sheep" of the Bellman family, who goes from being essentially disowned by the patriarch of the Bellman clan to being a successful, widely respected, businessman. Certain events in his life are punctuated by the appearance of a mysterious man named Black, and it is after an encounter with Black that Bellman conceives of a business venture that becomes an obsession with him, as well as becoming his greatest success. But at what cost?This story works on several levels. On the surface this is a supernatural/suspense story, but only marginally so; the effect of this aspect serves to maintain a certain level of apprehension in the reader. The story could have been told without this element, but it wouldn't have been quite as darkly tinged as it is, which I think is part of Setterfield's intent.
The main level is that of being a character study of a man whose desire to prove himself - coupled with the talent to excel in his endeavors - becomes the central essence of his perception of his existence. This naturally leads to an examination of talent and impulse left unchecked, and how they can lead to obsession. It is at this level that Setterfield is at her best, and the level at which the story is most successful.
If there is a flaw in this book (and it is almost flawless), it is that Setterfield uses her impressive narrative skills perhaps too much: there are parts that seem overly long - though not by much - while at the same time certain ideas seem left undeveloped. While generally quite satisfied with the reading experience, I can't help but feel that something has been left out. That feeling, however, does not detract from the overall pleasure her book provides.
I heartily recommend this book.
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LibraryThing member Katyas
Book Info: Genre: Literary Fiction w/ aspects of Magical Reality
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Just about anyone
Book Available: November 5, 2013 in Kindle, Hardcover and CD Audio Book formats and November 4 in Audible format
My Thoughts: Wow, this was a really amazing book. The writing style
The problem with writing a review of a book like this is that it is impossible to tell you much of anything about it without spoiling things, so this will have to remain short. I will say that anyone who enjoys a well-told story that is strongly character driven will enjoy this book. If you're looking for action and 'splodies you won't really find it here, but if you like a good story, well, this is the one you're looking for.
Disclosure: I received an e-galley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: As a boy, William Bellman commits one small, cruel act: killing a bird with his slingshot. Little does he know the unforeseen and terrible consequences of the deed, which is soon forgotten amidst the riot of boyhood games. By the time he is grown, with a wife and children of his own, William seems to be a man blessed by fortune—until tragedy strikes and the stranger in black comes. Then he starts to wonder if all his happiness is about to be eclipsed. Desperate to save the one precious thing he has left, William enters into a rather strange bargain, with an even stranger partner, to found a decidedly macabre business.
And Bellman & Black is born.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Just about anyone
Book Available: November 5, 2013 in Kindle, Hardcover and CD Audio Book formats and November 4 in Audible format
My Thoughts: Wow, this was a really amazing book. The writing style
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is beautiful, almost poetic at times, and the bits and pieces about rooks that are scattered throughout the text are absolutely fascinating. It's described as a ghost story, but to me it is more about how a person will subsume their emotions into something else so that they don't have to remember their life's trauma. Trust me, it will all make sense once you read it.The problem with writing a review of a book like this is that it is impossible to tell you much of anything about it without spoiling things, so this will have to remain short. I will say that anyone who enjoys a well-told story that is strongly character driven will enjoy this book. If you're looking for action and 'splodies you won't really find it here, but if you like a good story, well, this is the one you're looking for.
Disclosure: I received an e-galley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: As a boy, William Bellman commits one small, cruel act: killing a bird with his slingshot. Little does he know the unforeseen and terrible consequences of the deed, which is soon forgotten amidst the riot of boyhood games. By the time he is grown, with a wife and children of his own, William seems to be a man blessed by fortune—until tragedy strikes and the stranger in black comes. Then he starts to wonder if all his happiness is about to be eclipsed. Desperate to save the one precious thing he has left, William enters into a rather strange bargain, with an even stranger partner, to found a decidedly macabre business.
And Bellman & Black is born.
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LibraryThing member Glorybe1
I absolutely have to give this book 5 stars, I haven't enjoyed a book so much for quite a while! Quite unlike anything else I have read, it held me in it's sway from beginning to end. Mysterious. VERY intriguing an extremely well told story that I found hard to put down!
William Bellman killed a
William Bellman killed a
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Rook when he was a boy, he didn't want to kill it, didn't think he would be able to from the distance, so, was stunned to see it fall. From that day onwards his life goes in such intense circles, with incredible highs and lows that his life is almost charmed, success and failure hand in hand, ready to hit him between the eyes at any moment. I loved it, a fantastic read if you enjoy something just a little out of the ordinary! Show Less
LibraryThing member Debra_Armbruster
Good, not great.
I had high expectations for Bellman & Black having enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale so much. Perhaps I was so eager for another great read that I was unable to appreciate its subtleties. I may have to let my brain percolate.
Setterfield's "&" interludes (where the rooks speak) were the
Yet the voice of the rooks prevailed. I felt that pull beyond my couch reading their final piece and that was what made this read worthwhile. I will eagerly await Setterfield's next book. She has wonderful talent. I was simply wishing (this time) for something more.
I had high expectations for Bellman & Black having enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale so much. Perhaps I was so eager for another great read that I was unable to appreciate its subtleties. I may have to let my brain percolate.
Setterfield's "&" interludes (where the rooks speak) were the
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most beautiful parts of the book. The fluidity of the language was what I associate with Setterfield, and she captured that same feeling near the end of Part Two (Black's arrival in Bellman's office) and in Part Three. But the entirety of Part One dragged, the characters were more sketched than realized, and the architecture had more personality. The arc of his life, the arc of his business, the arc of the stone - it was a bit too transparent, and I found myself saddened rather than transported. Does Black's command to remember show Bellman a life that granted fulfillment? I don't honestly know. It smacked of Ebenezer Scrooge, except with Scrooge we know what he eventually saw. And Lizzie? Surely there was something more.Yet the voice of the rooks prevailed. I felt that pull beyond my couch reading their final piece and that was what made this read worthwhile. I will eagerly await Setterfield's next book. She has wonderful talent. I was simply wishing (this time) for something more.
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LibraryThing member melaniehope
When I read the description of this book, it lead me to believe it would be a different sort of story, one with ghosts and a deal with a sinister character. However, that is really not the case. I kept reading to find out when this "ghost" would appear. Without giving away too much of the story,
The main character is William Bellman. I thought the author was a master storyteller. I was swept away into the life of William and his wildly successful business ventures. Along the way, he marries, has children, suffers tragedies, but William never stops working, never stops to think. Instead he plans, calculates, and manages his thoughts and life to the exact minutes in a day.
What follows is literally a haunting tale of how that affects his life and his being. I was hooked on the story. Maybe because it always hinted at something slowly building in the book, but you had to keep reading to the end to be released from the anticipation. Great writing!
I received a complimentary e-book from Netgalley.
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just be prepared for a slowly, evolving story about one man's forgotten past.The main character is William Bellman. I thought the author was a master storyteller. I was swept away into the life of William and his wildly successful business ventures. Along the way, he marries, has children, suffers tragedies, but William never stops working, never stops to think. Instead he plans, calculates, and manages his thoughts and life to the exact minutes in a day.
What follows is literally a haunting tale of how that affects his life and his being. I was hooked on the story. Maybe because it always hinted at something slowly building in the book, but you had to keep reading to the end to be released from the anticipation. Great writing!
I received a complimentary e-book from Netgalley.
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LibraryThing member ivydtruitt
When he was ten and out with friends in the fields William used his deftly crafted slingshot to make what Charles, Fred, and Luke considered an impossible shot, killing a young rook. William wakes with a fever the following morning, laying ill for a week and a half. When he wakes he has forgotten
Due to complicated paternal issues William would have few prospects if it weren’t for his uncle, Paul Bellman. Paul’s son, Charles, has no interest in the family’s mill while William takes to it like a duck to water. He has a head for figures and business much to his and his uncle’s surprise and delight. William is well on his way to be being a wealthy and successful businessman. Before long William has it all, success, respect, wealth, a loving wife and lovely children. When it begins to unravel it’s quick and devastating for William.
Disappointingly, BELLMAN & BLACK is not a ghost story but it is a story each reader will take something different from.
BELLMAN & BLACK is the life story of William Bellman. A surface person William shies away from strong emotion, wanting the pleasure yet unable to handle the pain. William is so afraid of the pain he forgets to live, burying himself in financial figures and business pursuits. Divorced from reality, the people and the world around him in any personal or emotional sense, William cannot mourn. He glosses over losses and gradually forgets them in constant activity becoming less human with every passing day. Mr. Black and the rook lore and facts scattered throughout help illustrate and emphasize William’s withdrawal. I didn’t find William a very sympathetic character. The other characters came across as existing only to serve, spur, or reflect William. The only one to escape this William-centric fate is Dora, his daughter, the only glimmer of hope I found in BELLMAN & BLACK.
Will William ever learn that pain helps us to grow and appreciate what we have? Will he learn to celebrate the lives and love of those who have gone before? These and similar questions kept me reading.
Overall I found BELLMAN & BLACK to be a morose, sad testament to a squandered life.
Reviewed by IvyD for Manic Readers
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the rook and laid the groundwork for his future. Due to complicated paternal issues William would have few prospects if it weren’t for his uncle, Paul Bellman. Paul’s son, Charles, has no interest in the family’s mill while William takes to it like a duck to water. He has a head for figures and business much to his and his uncle’s surprise and delight. William is well on his way to be being a wealthy and successful businessman. Before long William has it all, success, respect, wealth, a loving wife and lovely children. When it begins to unravel it’s quick and devastating for William.
Disappointingly, BELLMAN & BLACK is not a ghost story but it is a story each reader will take something different from.
BELLMAN & BLACK is the life story of William Bellman. A surface person William shies away from strong emotion, wanting the pleasure yet unable to handle the pain. William is so afraid of the pain he forgets to live, burying himself in financial figures and business pursuits. Divorced from reality, the people and the world around him in any personal or emotional sense, William cannot mourn. He glosses over losses and gradually forgets them in constant activity becoming less human with every passing day. Mr. Black and the rook lore and facts scattered throughout help illustrate and emphasize William’s withdrawal. I didn’t find William a very sympathetic character. The other characters came across as existing only to serve, spur, or reflect William. The only one to escape this William-centric fate is Dora, his daughter, the only glimmer of hope I found in BELLMAN & BLACK.
Will William ever learn that pain helps us to grow and appreciate what we have? Will he learn to celebrate the lives and love of those who have gone before? These and similar questions kept me reading.
Overall I found BELLMAN & BLACK to be a morose, sad testament to a squandered life.
Reviewed by IvyD for Manic Readers
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Awards
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — November 2013)
Original publication date
2013-10-01
ISBN
0752875795 / 9780752875798
Other editions
Bellman & Black: A Novel by Diane Setterfield (Hardcover)