Have just finished reading Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier. I can’t remember whether I found it whilst browsing somewhere or read a review online, either way, I am delighted that the book found its way into my “to read” shelf. It is written by the author of Girl with a Pearl Earring which will be added to the shelf asap. Falling Angels is a historical novel with a difference – the narrative being driven forwards by a series of voices. The innovation is that the segments for each voice are shorter than is the norm. (two or three pages, or occasionally a single sentence.) Thus the dramatic effect is heightened and the tension increases as the story progresses. Essentially it is a story about two girls in Edwardian England. Their friendship often has the background of the local cemetery, indeed the whole ethos of the legacy of Victorian customs is a central motif in the plot. The unfolding drama concerns the suffragette movement and at the end, I just couldn’t put the book down. A real celebration of the historical novel.
I learnt much, thought a lot and determined to read some of Chevalier’s other books. A treasure to discover a new author – the only pity being that she has only written a few books.
Yes – this is quite a thought provoking book.
Ah – was it you who recommended the book in the first place?
Might have been me, Freda. I must be her Number 1 fan. Just finished Remarkable Creatures which was really good too.
Thanks, Ruth, I am going to get some more of her books too
I shall write this on my “wanted” list. We tend to buy a shed load of books to take away on holiday during the summer, so I look around for recommendations.
I do that as well. It’s a special treat to find something on the list in a charity shop – especially if it is in good condition.