Review by Book Reader18 -- The Bell Maker by Chris Bowen

[Book Reader18]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Bell Maker" by Chris Bowen.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Bellmaker by Chris Bowen is hard to describe in words. In summation, it is the tale of a man who lived in a world more simple and more spiritual than the one we live in today. However, this description does nothing to describe the wonder one feels while reading this book. It is told from the perspective of the man’s grandson who, like the reader, begins to notice there’s more to this world than meets the eye. The world that is described is the dream society, where neighbor helps neighbor, and everyone is content in their place in life. It exposes humanity’s unnatural hunger for power and its willingness to consign to an unhappy life. The noise of everyday life falls away as you hear the clear and single note of a bell, and the story of its maker. I felt a child-like whimsy when reading this book that had been lost for a time.

My favorite part of this book was the description of the bellmaker’s reality. Though in today’s society this type of living seems impossible, it is interesting to become aware of how little of what seems integral is actually important. I feel this book outlines quite well the pointlessness of the things we consider important in our own lives. Reading of this society in which the people are connected with God and the world around them in such an intimate way is mindblowing. Without the distractions or “noisemakers,” people live content not only in who they are but also in what they do.

My least favorite part of reading this was seeing my own shortcomings reflected on its pages. Realizing the frivolity and freedom that can come when the pressures of society fall away is difficult to read about and not yearn for. It is hard to live the life you’re meant to when the world assures you that the most important aspects are anything but what you’re feeling called to do.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. This book is incredibly written and well-edited. The drawback for me was the beginning, as it was a bit slow-moving and almost lost my interest. I truly began to be intrigued during the third and fourth chapters.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to experience the feeling of seeing the world as something magical again. I also think anyone who yearns for a simpler life, without all the pomp and expectations would greatly enjoy this read.

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The Bell Maker
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