Riceyman Steps

By Arnold Bennett and Arnorld Bennett

Book Overview

In the heart of a changing England, shadowed by the aftermath of World War I, Arnold Bennett's Riceyman Steps emerges as a timeless narrative of human endurance and the subtle intricacies of life. Set against the backdrop of Clerkenwell, Bennett unfurls the story of Henry Earlforward, a frugal bookseller, whose austere existence becomes both a fortress and a prison as he navigates love, marriage, and societal expectations.

With poignant scrutiny and masterful characterization, Bennett delves deep into the psyche of his characters, revealing the transformative power of human connections amidst the rubble of survival. Henry's journey is a compelling testament to the complexities of the human spirit, caught in the web of economic hardship and the relentless pursuit of a happiness that seems perpetually out of reach.

Riceyman Steps is not merely a book; it is an exploration of the essence of life itself, challenging readers to reflect on their values, desires, and the ineffable nature of contentment. Bennett's narrative skillfully intertwines the personal with the universal, crafting a story that resonates with the vibrancy of life and the solemnity of its inevitable shadows.

Awarded the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1923, this novel stands as a monument to Bennett's literary genius, offering a moving, introspective glimpse into post-war England. Through the microcosm of a small London community, Riceyman Steps addresses themes that are as relevant today as they were nearly a century ago-love, poverty, and the cost of holding too tightly to one's illusions.

Dive into the pages of Arnold Bennett's Riceyman Steps and embark on a journey through the human soul, beautifully penned by one of the early 20th century's most insightful authors. In this book, Bennett proves himself not only a storyteller but a profound observer of life, capturing the delicate balance between survival and living, austerity and generosity, with unfailing precision and empathy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 4910554106
• ISBN13: 9784910554105
• Release Date: March 2024
• Publisher: Matatabi Press
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

a world starved of generosity

The novel, Riceyman Steps, though nowhere as successful as his best work Old Wives Tale, nonetheless deserves plaudits for ambition and its tight focus on three expertly-drawn characters. The sentences are beautiful and give profound insights into characters, but lack of incident and forward action leave us with little desire to proceed. Characters don't really make choices to change their fate; instead, they live on and on, with the occasional traumatic episode thrown in for good measure. The best thing about the work is how avoids stereotypes about character types; for example, a miser may have real qualms about spending money, but can be persuaded in the right context to spend lavishly (though later he will resent doing so). I had a lot of trouble with the ending (which I'll spell out only obliquely, although there isn't much suspense); first, why did the novel give so much prominence to Joe (the housekeeper's boyfriend) near the ending? It seemed out of place. Second, the death doesn't really have any meaning except to confirm the narrator's view that people ultimately get what they deserve. Okay, fine, but did the characters really choose their fates (or were they merely burdened by their ill habits?) Bennett doesn't really present any alternatives; are any people in his world capable of living salutary lifestyles? That, I think, is a flaw of the novel; it fails to give us a glimpse into people who are avoiding the pitfalls of the protagonists. Conspicuously absent are children in this novel; there are literally no opportunities in this novel for the characters to display generosity or affection towards the outside world. How much of this penury is simply a result of the couple's being childless? Bennett seems convinced that these people are not particularly sinister and even deserving of sympathy; still, the book's ultimate purpose is moralistic; it exhort us to examine our hearts to see if we possess the same myopic shortcomings. SUMMARY: Nowhere near as great as Old Wives' Tale (and much slower), but a must-read for Bennett fans.

Another Bennett masterpiece

I can't beat that other review from Taipei - read the book

My Fifth Reading Was the Best Yet!

Why do I return to 'Riceyman Steps' every six years or so? Who can resist it? Arnold Bennett has created a fascinating world, one that we as readers are privileged to enter. The basic story and characters grab you immediately; you NEED to know what will happen, you want desperately for it all to turn out well. Bennett understands how fragile we all are, and yet how our passions can drive us. His understanding of the human heart is as perfect as 'Riceyman Steps. Don't miss this one!

A case-study of a miser

This is one of my favorite Bennett novels and one of the more idiosyncratic. If you ever wanted to experience the claustrophobic world of a true miser, and learn what it is like to live with one, this is your book. And it's vintage Bennett.