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.
