Anna of the Five Towns (Hardcover)

I thought that "Anna of the Five Towns" was every bit as good as Balzac's novel, and was better than either of Bennett's earlier works such as "A Man from the North" and the truly appalling "Grand Babylon Hotel", although it's not quite as accomplished as "Clayhanger", for example.

In this novel, Bennett seemed to be fascinated with the juxtaposition of religious fervour and avarice. The wealthy inhabitants of the Shropshire industrial town in which "Anna" is set seem to be as fervent in their Methodist revivalism as they are in their pursuit of lucre - this is a far cry from self-denying simple Christianity. Religion seems nothing more than a social item, a badge to wear. Bennett snipes at the hypocrisy of it all. Perhaps it can be argued that Bennett, and indeed Balzac much earlier, were on to a theme which has been taken up by more recent novelists - the usurpation of moral codes by the ruthless pursuit of individual monetary gain.

This is epitomised in "Anna" by her father, who counts his contribution to the local Methodist church purely in terms of his running of its finances. His behaviour towards both his children and his debtors (such as the Prices) demonstrate that Christianity's more humane or charitable precepts have barely registered with him. In contrast to the workers in the potteries, he is a "rentier", content to shuffle money around and live off the proceeds without actually producing anything - again Bennett seemed to view this type of capitalist as repugnant, even parasitic.

"Anna" is in its way a great feminist tract - the men are totally in charge, leaving women's lives deperately limited and unfulfilling. Even when Anna inherits a substantial amount of money, we know that she will benefit very little from it, as her father and her future husband will in turn both control what actually happens to it.

A poignant and interesting early twentieth century novel with much to say about social and economic issues. The sudden ending left me a bit disappointed, but nonetheless, it's a compelling read.

G Rodgers

Frequently, reviewers note the Methodism in this novel -- it does give a look at the everyday lives of Methodism when it was much more controversial (!) than it is today, if it ever was particularly revolutionary in America. I was more struck by the personal circumstances of Anna's plight than her religious questionings, although the latter are definitely imposed on her character by the author.

An interesting attempt by a male author to describe a woman suppressed by her domineering father, by strict moral and religious conventions, and by her own personality.