Five Bells is a book to be read slowly, and savoured. It is a beautifully written story about four different characters, all of whom travel through Circular Quay in Sydney on one summer Saturday.
James and Ellie knew each other when they were young, but haven’t seen each other for years. Their sexual experiences in their youth have coloured Ellie’s life.
Catherine is from Ireland and is suffering from the death of her beloved brother.
Pei Xing had been a political prisoner in China and now has a curious relationship with one of her captors.
Each of the characters has a very different story and experiences in life, and carry with them various degrees of guilt and anxiety. This may make the book seem rather doom laden, but it doesn’t come over like that at all.
Be prepared to sit down with a cup of tea and immerse yourself in this book for a few hours.
Paperback, $29.95
