Rosalind Belben's "Is Beauty Good" Reissued

Rosalind Belben's 1989 novel, "Is Beauty Good," has been reissued by Sheffield-based independent publisher And Other Stories, drawing attention to its unique literary style and thematic depth. This polyphonic novel, originally Belben's fifth book, delves into the nature of dreams and the liminal states between sleeping, waking, and dreaming. The reissue follows the successful re-publication of her 1979 novel, "Dreaming of Dead People," last year, indicating a renewed interest in Belben's distinctive literary voice. "Is Beauty Good" is characterized by its ability to capture the elusive sensations of these in-between states, a feat that has been described as the literary equivalent of free jazz due to its unconventional structure and associative logic. The novel features numerous contemplations on dreams, extending beyond human experiences to include the dreams of dogs and horses, showcasing Belben's expansive imagination.

The narrative of "Is Beauty Good" often employs a first-person perspective, though the narrator's identity and circumstances remain deliberately ambiguous. One prominent section, titled "Exile," introduces a narrator who is "grizzled, cropped," likely elderly and alone, and experiencing a profound sense of disorientation. This narrator expresses a desire for surrender and rest, stating, "I am quite lost, wherever I am. I want to surrender. I wish to retire. I am tired." The narrator's recollections are tinged with uncertain memories of a childhood "shrouded" in nightmares, featuring an orchard rich with flora and fauna, including larks, swallows, and swifts. Like the author, who was born in February, the narrator longs to disappear into marshlands, seeking a connection with the natural world through plants. Belben's technique, however, prevents the reader from settling into a fixed perspective, constantly shifting the narrative and sensory experience. The narrator experiences "glimpses" and observes details like "a pink and blue angel" in plaster, but the context of these observations remains fluid and open to interpretation.

Belben's writing is lauded for its combination of "hilarious detail with harsh observation," creating an "exhilaratingly strange journey" for the reader. The novel's structure eschews traditional linearity, instead weaving together disparate thoughts, memories, and sensory impressions in a manner that mirrors the associative nature of dreams. This approach challenges conventional narrative expectations and invites active engagement from the reader, who must piece together meaning from the fragmented yet vivid descriptions. The exploration of "slippery states"—those moments that defy easy categorization between consciousness and unconsciousness—is central to the novel's impact. Belben's prose is noted for its precision in rendering these subjective experiences, making the intangible tangible for the reader. The reissue by And Other Stories aims to introduce this significant work to a new generation of readers and critics, highlighting Belben's unique contribution to contemporary literature.