In the time of the bells [Hardcover]

Maria Gripe (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Swedish (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Press/S. Lawrence; 1St Edition edition (1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440040140
• ISBN-13: 978-0440040149
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,101,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In the Time of the Bells, October 23, 2001

By 

Rebecca (Isle of Wight, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the time of the bells (Hardcover)

I read In the Time of the Bells about two years ago after borrowing it from my school library, but it stuck in my mind so I decided to look it up on this site. I think it's a shame it's now out of print, as I thought it was a really good book. As I did read it a long time ago I can't remember the plot in detail, but I remember that it was told in a fairytale-ish style and is about two brothers, I think, princes, who are almost opposites. One, who is set to inherit the throne, is depressed and deep-thinking, with strange ideas about life. The other is cheerful and far more suited to rule. The one who is set to inherit the throne is betrothed to a girl who is very lighthearted, in the hope she can stop him from being depressed, but the plan backfires as they don't understand each other at all. Her older sister has a much deeper sympathy for the older brother. Needless to say it all resolves itself in the end, but although the plot is predictable like in a lot of fairytales, I remember really enjoying it. It's beautifully told, mysterious and atmospheric and gives the feel of a traditional fairytale with something extra.