For Whom the Belle Tolls

In For Whom the Belle Tolls, both Lily and Sharkie arrive in the Afterlife still enduring the effects of past traumatic experiences within a religious community. While both characters are initially apprehensive about the Afterlife, they gradually confront their fears and find ways of moving forward. Through their arcs, the novel explores the experience of religious trauma and healing.

In her flashbacks and memories, Lily recalls how her Evangelical community was often a source of oppression and sexist double standards instead of providing spiritual nourishment and comfort. As Lily reflects, her church placed a heavy focus on policing the appearance and behavior of young girls and women: “The adults at her church had commented for as long as [Lily] could remember that her parents would have to watch her; Lily was so pretty—and a redhead!—that of course she was going to be trouble. ‘She’ll be a real temptress if you’re not careful’” (390, emphasis added). Lily faces further sexism after she is assaulted by her friend’s boyfriend: Instead of offering Lily support and justice, her youth leader blames Lily for the attack. Devasted, Lily cuts off contact with her church.

Sharkie’s experiences parallel Lily’s. When she arrives in the Afterlife, she is a very nervous child and insists that she belongs in Hell.