A lay community of thoroughly mixed-up people is encamped outside Imber Abbey, home of an enclosed order of nuns. A new bell is being installed when the old bell, legendary symbol of religion and magic, is unexpectedly rediscovered. Dora Greenfield, erring wife, returns to her husband, Paul, who is working on some fourteenth-century manuscripts that belong to the convent. Michael Meade, leader of the community, is confronted by a man with whom he once had a disastrous affair, while the wise old Abbess watches and prays and exercises discreet authority. Everyone, or almost everyone, hopes to be saved - whatever that may mean. Originally published in 1958, this funny, sad, and moving novel is about religion, sex, the fight between good and evil, and the terrible accidents of human frailty.