Ethel I. (RoyalCatwoman) reviewed All that Lives: A Novel of the Bell Witch on + 278 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Once again the story of the Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee, is told in fictional form, here in the words of the person most tormented by it. Betsy Bell, the "darling daughter" of tobacco farmer John and his wife, Lucy, is turning 13 when the disturbances begin. Nighttime noises--of tapping and animal sounds--interrupt the family's sleep, then Betsy becomes the object of slaps, pinpricks, and hair pulling, often losing consciousness. Undeterred by visits from the clergy or the gathering of neighbors and strangers to witness these events, the spirit takes voice, mocking preachers, making predictions, and promising to kill John Bell. Seeming both malignant and benign, the spirit saves Betsy's younger brother's life, helps cure Lucy of pleurisy, reports about her absent older sons, and makes a final warning to Betsy.
Helpful Score: 1
Very well written characters well defined
Helpful Score: 1
" all that lives is a strong authentic and full of worthy and generous spirits. the voice is as honest and real as any as I've ever read"
-Kaye Gibbons
-Kaye Gibbons
Jessica P. (mysticalzoe) reviewed All that Lives: A Novel of the Bell Witch on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I read halfway through the book, I found it rather boring as it basically repeats itself over and over. At this spirit comes and haunts a family, yet they perform no exorcism. They encourage it to speak, and that's about it. Very dull. I am reposting to see if anyone else will enjoy the book. It just didn't do it for me.
Helpful Score: 1
A fictional story based on the Bell Witch haunting. The haunting is told from Betsy's point of view which I found enlightening. Betsy and her family become a sort of side show. Their preacher is more interested in talking to the spirit than in abating the spirits torment on the family. The spirit plays many roles, mosy often a mean trickster.
I wanted to like the story but ended up disappointed. I could have accepted that repetition of the book if not for the ending. But others have read it and not had the same issues as me.
I wanted to like the story but ended up disappointed. I could have accepted that repetition of the book if not for the ending. But others have read it and not had the same issues as me.
Helpful Score: 1
This is excellent novel version of the true story of the Bell Witch of Tennessee.
Simple and stunning for that.
Excellent!
Told from the perspective of the daughter; an interesting theory about "why"
I loved this book, it brought me back to the days when I could not get enough of Little House on the Prairie and Laura Ingllas Wilder!
I enjoyed the book for it's detailed look at life in the late 1800s and as a great piece of fiction. In my opinion, this was not a "horror" book. I did not find it scary at all.
Kenjii H. (Daalmonette) -
I watched the movie (AN AMERICAN HAUNTING I believe is the title) before reading the book. I read a few chapters before growing bored of the narration and skipped ahead to where the story picks up. Even then after just a few pages the narration got to be boring. I don't think I'd try another book by this author anytime soon.
I read this book a few years back but it's still one of my favorites. From the very first page to the last page, this book had me entirely hooked. I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in one day. A hauntingly scary book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
