So It Is

‘Shades of Brian Moore’s Lies of Silence abound in this no-holds-barred debut… Bell resists clichés and stretches the tension out to a bitterly abrupt end in which there are no winners.’ – Guardian

‘Combines a gripping narrative drive with a deep sensitivity to the language, thoughts and emotions of its characters.’ – Gregory Tate, Times Higher Education

‘Vividly and sympathetically written.’ – Whichbook

‘Gritty but realistic… We hope to see more of this author soon.’ – Woman’s Way

‘Had me close to tears… If you like your books gritty with more than a hint of truth… then you will enjoy this one.’ – newbooks

‘A mature exploration of a controversial and difficult subject… wisely choosing to place the human – not the political or paramilitary – story at the centre of the novel.’ – Gutter

‘Bell never lets us forget where we are in this city of invisible boundaries… a challenging political thriller cum coming-of-age story.’ – Bookoxygen

‘Very impressive.’ – BBC Radio Ulster

‘Glimpses of a unique literary voice emerging… Aoife’s story is constructed in a genuinely engaging fashion, and Bell uses our present peace time context to examine the impact of all that has gone before.’ – Culture Northern Ireland

‘So It Is explores the physical and psychological devastation of the Northern Irish conflict on many levels with sensitivity and compassion.’ – Pamreader

‘By turns lyrical and brutal, Liam Murray Bell’s novel is a gripping and unforgettable literary debut… So It Is unflinchingly examines the devastating impact of violence on individual lives.’ – Paul Vlitos

‘A deftly written, confident debut.’ – Jess Richards, Metro

‘No word is wasted, no imagery subdued in this powerful book… An emotional rollercoaster with a very thought-provoking ending where the true value of life is considered.’ – We Love This Book

‘A fresh perspective on the Troubles.’ – Observer

Liam Murray Bell was born in Orkney and brought up in Glasgow. After studying for a degree in English Literature with Creative Writing at Queen’s University Belfast, he returned to Scotland to undertake his Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, before moving to the South of England to complete a PhD at the University of Surrey. Murray Bell now lives in Scotland with his wife and daughter and is a Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Stirling. Having developed a fascination with the historical and political context of the Troubles during his time in Northern Ireland, Murray Bell spent several years researching the role of women in the conflict, a subject which informed the writing of his debut novel, So It Is (2012). His second novel, The Busker, was published by Myriad in 2014. His work has been published in several critical and creative journals and anthologies, including New Writing Scotland and New Writing: the International Journal for the Practice and Theory of Creative Writing. He is also co-editor of a book of essays entitled Writing Urban Space.