In “Riceyman Steps,” Bennett crafts a gripping tale set in post-World War I London, centered around Henry Earlforward, a miserly bookseller whose obsession with money consumes his life and marriage. The story takes a dark turn as his greed becomes a destructive force, but hope emerges through Elsie, whose vibrant spirit challenges the bleakness of Earlforward’s world. Bennett’s ambition to create a novel as profound as Balzac’s is realized in this unforgettable exploration of human struggles within the confines of a household.

Why You Should Read?

• • A powerful exploration of greed and its devastating effects on personal relationships.
  • A vivid depiction of post-war London, capturing the harsh realities of the era.
  • The transformative character of Elsie offers a life-affirming counterpoint to the story’s darkness.
  • Bennett’s ambition to rival Balzac’s work results in a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.