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wolfsonarchitect's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It’s a well written character study, but because Angel is so unlikeable I found it hard to read.
pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a delightful exploration of human complexity wrapped in the guise of a seemingly simple romance novel. At its heart lies the enigmatic and often unlikeable protagonist, Angel Deverell, whose unabashed vanity and self-absorption might initially repel readers. However, it is precisely her flaws that render her character so intriguing and multi-dimensional.
Taylor masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the depths of Angel's psyche, revealing the insecurities and vulnerabilities lurking beneath her facade of arrogance. Despite her flaws, Angel's relentless pursuit of her dreams and her unwavering belief in her own exceptionalism make her a compelling and unforgettable character.
Moreover, Taylor's sharp wit and keen observations infuse the novel with humor and satire, particularly in her portrayal of the romance novel industry. Through Angel's own melodramatic and often ludicrous literary endeavors, Taylor cleverly lampoons the clichés and tropes that pervade the genre, offering a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the nature of romantic fiction.
Despite being a prolific and accomplished writer, Elizabeth Taylor remains vastly underrated and underappreciated in the literary world. "Angel" serves as a testament to her talent as a storyteller, showcasing her ability to craft complex characters and poignant narratives that resonate with readers long after the final page is turned. In a time when her contemporaries often receive more attention, Taylor's work deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated by a wider audience.
4/5 stars
Taylor masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the depths of Angel's psyche, revealing the insecurities and vulnerabilities lurking beneath her facade of arrogance. Despite her flaws, Angel's relentless pursuit of her dreams and her unwavering belief in her own exceptionalism make her a compelling and unforgettable character.
Moreover, Taylor's sharp wit and keen observations infuse the novel with humor and satire, particularly in her portrayal of the romance novel industry. Through Angel's own melodramatic and often ludicrous literary endeavors, Taylor cleverly lampoons the clichés and tropes that pervade the genre, offering a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the nature of romantic fiction.
Despite being a prolific and accomplished writer, Elizabeth Taylor remains vastly underrated and underappreciated in the literary world. "Angel" serves as a testament to her talent as a storyteller, showcasing her ability to craft complex characters and poignant narratives that resonate with readers long after the final page is turned. In a time when her contemporaries often receive more attention, Taylor's work deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated by a wider audience.
4/5 stars
cybrgloss's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ikvindlezenleuk_mathilde's review against another edition
4.0
Lees mijn recensie op Een kloddertje roze: http://www.eenkloddertjeroze.nl/2016/09/elizabeth-taylor-angel/
courtneymminor's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kerry2046's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it, so tragic, so wonderfully written. For such a selfish main character, I could still relate to her. I pitied her. Angel is a great tragedy and deserves to be better acknowledged and loved by this generation!
forever_day's review against another edition
I really have no idea what to rate this book. The main character is incredibly unlikeable (and remains so throughout with no character growth in any direction at all), yet I couldn't help but feel a certain sympathy or pity for her, and appreciate her for what she was as a character. Also, even though I didn't enjoy the content I couldn't help but feel that it was good writing.
denisec2021's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
annebrooke's review against another edition
4.0
This is a gripping novel about the monstrous but magical Angel Deverell. From a young age, Angel is different. She weaves a series of magnificent fantasies around her life and her career as a novelist, and is somehow both larger than life and ultimately destroyed by it. She is the first female protagonist in any novel I've read who is both the heroine of the story, and its villain as well.
I loved it, and I loved her. Even though she's a self-obsessed egotist with no sense of irony or humour, there's just something about how determined she is that kept me glued to the pages. I also loved the way she doesn't try to alter herself to suit the men in her life - they take her as she is, or she has no interest in them. She doesn't know the meaning of the word compromise, and it's partly this which makes her so fascinating a character study.
Yes, the novel goes on slightly too long, but even in this we see how far Angel falls from her previous fame and wealth - and there's a great deal of pathos in that, though she herself would of course never admit it. Even to herself. The ending is very well done indeed.
I loved it, and I loved her. Even though she's a self-obsessed egotist with no sense of irony or humour, there's just something about how determined she is that kept me glued to the pages. I also loved the way she doesn't try to alter herself to suit the men in her life - they take her as she is, or she has no interest in them. She doesn't know the meaning of the word compromise, and it's partly this which makes her so fascinating a character study.
Yes, the novel goes on slightly too long, but even in this we see how far Angel falls from her previous fame and wealth - and there's a great deal of pathos in that, though she herself would of course never admit it. Even to herself. The ending is very well done indeed.