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.

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9784910554105

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Reviews

"Set in a bookshop in post-war London, it felt like an escape into a world both familiar and unfamiliar. I loved it. (Shaun Bythell - 26 Dec 2020 - The Herald) [Bennett] improves every time you read him, whether it is his diary or his novels. I reread Riceyman's Steps recently and felt that there could be no more satisfactory novel. (A.J.P Taylor - 6 Dec 1984 - London Review of Books) Bennett said, ""I have written between 70 and 80 books. But also I have written only four: The Old Wives' Tale, The Card, Clayhanger and Riceyman Steps."" All the others, he said, were made a reproach to him because they were none of the above. (Ian Jack - 17 Sep 2005 - The Guardian) [Bennett] was a great novelist, as anyone who has read Riceyman's Steps or the Clayhanger trilogy would attest. (A.N. Wilson - 16 April 2022 - The Spectator) [Bennett's] trademark was versatility: he wrote swiftly, in all the genres and on every level. His best novels (""The Old Wives' Tale,"" ""Clayhanger,"" ""Hilda Lessways,"" ""These Twain"" and ""Riceyman Steps"") were admired by James, Conrad, Wells and Gide; and Bennett was widely praised for his ability to render the variety, beauty, drama and significance behind the drab surfaces of provincial life. (Lawrence Graver - 1 Sep 1974 - The New York Times) In 1923, Arnold won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his novel Riceyman Steps. It was to be his last notable work before his death in 1931 from Typhoid, at his home in Baker Street, London. (Adam Gratton - 25 July 2018 - StokeonTrentLive)"

Author Information

Enoch Arnold Bennett, better known as Arnold Bennett, was an English author and novelist who made important contributions to literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born on May 27, 1867, in Hanley, Staffordshire. His father, a lawyer, wanted him to become a lawyer like him, but Bennett was more interested in writing. After working at a law office in London for a short period of time, he decided to pursue a career in literature full time, starting in 1900.Bennett produced a large amount of work during his lifetime. He wrote 34 novels, seven volumes of short stories, 13 plays, and a daily journal of over a million words. Apart from his novels and plays, he also wrote articles and stories for more than 100 newspapers and periodicals. This made him one of the most financially successful British authors of his time. Bennett's life was cut short when he got typhoid fever and passed away in 1931. He contracted it from drinking tap water during a trip to France. His death marked the end of a productive and influential writing career. John McLean is a British born Japanese-English translator, interpreter, production editor, emcee, talk show host, and university associate professor from Hiroshima, Japan. His clients range from celebrated athletes like Simone Biles and Kohei Uchimura to prominent Japanese figures such as Nana Komatsu and Kentaro Sakaguchi, as well as dignitaries like Kazumi Matsui and major media outlets like NBC, CBC, and Al Jazeera. Beyond interpreting, his translating, subtitling and editing work with Japanese film directors and dedication to nurturing emerging filmmakers at the Berlin Film Festival through his collaboration with Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs (UNIJAPAN) highlight his contribution to the Japanese film industry.

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