Riceyman Steps

Set in the bustling Clerkenwell area of London, the story revolves around Henry Earlforward, a curmudgeonly second-hand bookshop owner whose life unfolds over the course of a year. The novel explores themes of isolation, the impact of wealth on relationships, and the complexities of human nature, all while providing a vivid portrayal of early 20th-century London. Bennett's keen observations and character development highlight the struggles and peculiarities of Earlforward's existence, making it a poignant exploration of life and miserliness.