The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club

Name: The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club
Author: Dorothy L Sayers

In "The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club" by Dorothy L. Sayers, Lord Peter Wimsey discovers the body of General Fentiman at the Bellona Club, where the general has died unexpectedly. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Armistice Day, exploring themes of death, memory, and the lingering effects of war on individuals. As Wimsey investigates, he learns about the Fentiman family's complicated history, particularly the estrangement between the general and his sister, Lady Dormer, who has also recently passed away. The narrative delves into the social dynamics of the club and the reactions of its members to the death, ultimately leading Wimsey to uncover the implications of the general's demise and the potential for inheritance tied to the family’s past. The novel combines elements of mystery with a critique of societal norms and the impact of war on personal relationships.

By Dorothy L Sayers · First published 1928 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime · 23 chapters · 94,110 words

First lines

"What in the world, Wimsey, are you doing in this Morgue? " demanded Captain Fentiman, flinging aside the Evening Banner with the air of a man released from an irksome duty.

"Oh, I wouldn't call it that," retorted Wimsey, amiably. "Funeral Parlor at the very least. Look at the marble. Look at the furnishings. Look at the palms and the chaste bronze nude in the corner."

What this Textopian page supports

The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dorothy L Sayers, dated 1928 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Dorothy L Sayers
Date: 1928 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Length: 94,110 words
Structure: 23 chapters, 2,614 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder investigation, central to the mystery genre.
Detective Fiction — Features amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey solving the crime, characteristic of detective fiction.
Crime — Involves criminal acts and their investigation, aligning with crime genre themes.
Literary Fiction — Explores complex characters and social themes, typical of literary fiction.