Miracle of the Bells is It’s a Wonderful Life and The Bells of St. Mary’s on steroids.
High Point: It’s a clever and creative plot with a number of pleasing twists.
Low Point: In relation to our 21st century cynicism, the story has so much optimism and hope that it’s almost a bit of an overdose.
Author: Russell Janney
Publication Date: 1946
Genre: Fiction
Miracle of the Bells is It’s a Wonderful Life and The Bells of St. Mary’s on steroids.
It’s a fantasy about the world as we might wish to see it. All men and women are basically good, and they need only an opportunity to manifest it. Multiple faiths can work side by side on common interests despite their differences. People, regardless of their social or economic status, can work together for the common good.
Here’s a quote from a conversation between a bishop and one of his discouraged parish priests.
“Remain brave. Remain strong. Banish this fear forever. Never return to it. Smile. We—you and I—are custodians of the greatest well of happiness ever given to mankind.”
The bishop doesn’t mention a need to point out the sins of others with different beliefs; no mention of forcing compliance with your beliefs through new rules and legislation. Instead, it’s a message of hope and happiness.
Miracle of the Bells has a strong and captivating plot, but it is supercharged with optimism. That may be a nice contrast to today’s reality, but it’s so massive that it can be a bit of an overdose.
Movie/TV Adaptation
The Miracle of the Bells (1948)
Sources For This Book
Free eBook (Project Gutenberg): Not available
Free Audiobook (LibriVox): Not available
Available to Purchase: AbeBooks, Biblio, Thriftbooks
