Angel Angel
Encyclopedia
Angel Angel is the 1995
debut novel
by American writer April Stevens. The story, set in Connecticut
, centers upon a dysfunctional suburban family whose malaise is challenged by the introduction of the older son's live-in girlfriend. The novel, published by Viking Press
, was well-received.
, are thrown into disarray upon the discovery of the patriarch's extra-marital affair. With his absence in the marital home, his wife, Augusta, struggles to understand or come to terms with the betrayal and takes to her bed for weeks. Her two sons, Matthew and Henry, face their own demons and are little help to their mother. However the introduction of Henry's sassy live-in girlfriend forces the family out of their emotional downward spiral.
, writing in the New York Times, noted that Stevens "is a wonderfully fluent storyteller with a shrewd eye for the offbeat". TIME
described the book as "intelligent and moving", continuing that Stevens conveys the protagonist's "knowing honesty reminiscent of Edna O'Brien
".Publishers Weekly
described it as an "auspicious debut", continuing that Stevens' "touch is assured (and) her ear for vernacular dialogue marvelously sharp". The writer Stewart O'Nan
also cited Angel Angel in a list of his favorite "overlooked" books.
reported that the novel would be adapted into the film Long Time Gone, with Precious
producer Sarah Siegel-Magness making her directorial debut and Meg Ryan
attached to star as Augusta. Production is slated to begin this fall in Los Angeles
.
1995 in literature
The year 1995 in literature involved some significant events and new books.-Events:*The Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea is opened by Jimmy Carter....
debut novel
Debut novel
A debut novel is the first novel an author publishes. Debut novels are the author's first opportunity to make an impact on the publishing industry, and thus the success or failure of a debut novel can affect the ability of the author to publish in the future...
by American writer April Stevens. The story, set in Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, centers upon a dysfunctional suburban family whose malaise is challenged by the introduction of the older son's live-in girlfriend. The novel, published by Viking Press
Viking Press
Viking Press is an American publishing company owned by the Penguin Group, which has owned the company since 1975. It was founded in New York City on March 1, 1925, by Harold K. Guinzburg and George S. Oppenheim...
, was well-received.
Plot summary
The Irises, a typical suburban family in ConnecticutConnecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, are thrown into disarray upon the discovery of the patriarch's extra-marital affair. With his absence in the marital home, his wife, Augusta, struggles to understand or come to terms with the betrayal and takes to her bed for weeks. Her two sons, Matthew and Henry, face their own demons and are little help to their mother. However the introduction of Henry's sassy live-in girlfriend forces the family out of their emotional downward spiral.
Reception
Gary KristGary Krist (writer)
Gary Michael Krist is an American writer of fiction, nonfiction, travel journalism, and literary criticism. Before turning to narrative nonfiction with The White Cascade , a book about the 1910 Wellington avalanche, Krist wrote three novels--Bad Chemistry , Chaos Theory , and Extravagance...
, writing in the New York Times, noted that Stevens "is a wonderfully fluent storyteller with a shrewd eye for the offbeat". TIME
Time (magazine)
Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
described the book as "intelligent and moving", continuing that Stevens conveys the protagonist's "knowing honesty reminiscent of Edna O'Brien
Edna O'Brien
Edna O'Brien is an Irish novelist and short story writer whose works often revolve around the inner feelings of women, and their problems in relating to men and to society as a whole.-Life and career:...
".Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
described it as an "auspicious debut", continuing that Stevens' "touch is assured (and) her ear for vernacular dialogue marvelously sharp". The writer Stewart O'Nan
Stewart O'Nan
- Life and work :Born on February 4, 1961 to John Lee O'Nan and Mary Ann O'Nan, née Smith. He and his brother were raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....
also cited Angel Angel in a list of his favorite "overlooked" books.
Film adaptation
In May 2011, VarietyVariety (magazine)
Variety is an American weekly entertainment-trade magazine founded in New York City, New York, in 1905 by Sime Silverman. With the rise of the importance of the motion-picture industry, Daily Variety, a daily edition based in Los Angeles, California, was founded by Silverman in 1933. In 1998, the...
reported that the novel would be adapted into the film Long Time Gone, with Precious
Precious (film)
Precious , is a 2009 American drama film directed by Lee Daniels. Precious is an adaptation by Geoffrey S. Fletcher of the 1996 novel Push by Sapphire. The film stars Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, and Paula Patton...
producer Sarah Siegel-Magness making her directorial debut and Meg Ryan
Meg Ryan
Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra , professionally known as Meg Ryan, is an American actress and producer. Raised in Bethel, Connecticut, Ryan began her acting career in 1981 in minor roles, before joining the cast of the CBS soap opera As the World Turns in 1982...
attached to star as Augusta. Production is slated to begin this fall in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
.