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norwayellesea's review against another edition
4.0
Really hoping that this book will be re-released in digital format. I no longer have a copy and would love to re-read this.
tessisreading2's review against another edition
4.0
Really good, meaty family saga. Engrossing but a little frustrating at the same time - Constance retains her hold on the narrative and the narrator to the very end.
samidhak's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
I have never given a book five stars, but I was so tempted to give five stars to this one.
It was absolutely mystifying. I was awestruck by her writing, the country house/shire, the landscapes and the immense depth of each character that she portrayed.
This book would be possible only when you look at it with a psychological depth.
I loved all characters - so stark, so stunning, all shone bright with their own specific traits. I absolutely love Acland, Jane, Wexton, Boy, Gwen and even Constance and Eddie.
Constance, with all her faults, Beauman gives such pathological insight into her character.
I have never encountered a horror thriller-mystery where the mystery is the character.
After a while, you're so engrossed into the novel and their lives, that you forget that there even was a murder - the reason for the murder is given before the murder itself- and yet the ending is something you never see coming.
It was such a brilliant story of love, hate, death, destruction and war : not only in the 1914s but also in your own heart and your actions and ultimately, your self. War within your self, a self destructive, scheming and hasty approach on the war zone of the First World War.
The contents and the story of this novel, will possibly never leave me and I will most certainly ask everyone to read it. It's not just horror or mysterious or magical, it is a beautiful depiction of human beings at war with one another, and themselves.
Definitely reading all her novels now.
I have never given a book five stars, but I was so tempted to give five stars to this one.
It was absolutely mystifying. I was awestruck by her writing, the country house/shire, the landscapes and the immense depth of each character that she portrayed.
This book would be possible only when you look at it with a psychological depth.
I loved all characters - so stark, so stunning, all shone bright with their own specific traits. I absolutely love Acland, Jane, Wexton, Boy, Gwen and even Constance and Eddie.
Constance, with all her faults, Beauman gives such pathological insight into her character.
I have never encountered a horror thriller-mystery where the mystery is the character.
After a while, you're so engrossed into the novel and their lives, that you forget that there even was a murder - the reason for the murder is given before the murder itself- and yet the ending is something you never see coming.
It was such a brilliant story of love, hate, death, destruction and war : not only in the 1914s but also in your own heart and your actions and ultimately, your self. War within your self, a self destructive, scheming and hasty approach on the war zone of the First World War.
The contents and the story of this novel, will possibly never leave me and I will most certainly ask everyone to read it. It's not just horror or mysterious or magical, it is a beautiful depiction of human beings at war with one another, and themselves.
Definitely reading all her novels now.
threethousandducats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
How do I love thee? - Let me count the editions.
I've made some damn good reading decisions this year. Re-reading Dark Angel by Sally Beauman may be the best of them.
For years I regarded this as my favourite book of all time. I do struggle to justify a singular favourite now. I've read too many amazing books to put only one on a podium. However when it comes to the reading milestones of one's life, the top ten books of all time, that list of books you will continue to read throughout your life until they are buried with you - this incredible book is on that list. This was my third time reading Dark Angel and it absolutely justified its place in my mind as a masterpiece. If I was banished forthwith from the Kingdom of Rohan and could take only one book with me, there are serious odds on it being this one. Of all the books I adore (with perhaps the exception of King's IT and The Pillars of the Earth) there is no other book that matches the sheer scope of this story. That scope, and the sumptuous quality of Sally Beauman's writing may just give this book the edge over all others.
The most commonly available edition of Dark Angel is the paperback in the middle of this stack. It's 791 pages long. The text is small. There are 12 significant recurring characters and numerous supporting characters. The book spans a time period from the year 1910 to the year 1986 and the action takes place across 3 countries spanning two world wars. The story is vast. The "Dark Angel" of the title is one of the greatest fictional characters I've ever read. An outstanding literary creation who grows from child to adult before our eyes. Sally Beauman writes many characters as both children and adults here. She does so with incredible skill. The adult characters convey the children they used to be. Their speech and actions have a ring of truth because she has established their personalities over the course of the story. They feel real and believable and compelling. It's spectacular writing.
There are some books that are a labour to read. They take work and concentration. I have many beloved books that required effort to yield their reward. I can often love a book but can only read a handful of pages before I need to stop, reset, and carry on. These books make me think of running. Sometimes, no matter how fit you are, no matter how often you've run that distance, or that route, you cannot find your rhythm. It's a slog. Your breathing doesn't feel quite right. You know you'll make it, but you also know it's going to be hard work. Many books have made me feel like I'm going to hit the wall 5 miles from home. Not Dark Angel. Reading this book is, for me, akin to being "in the zone" on your weekly long run. You feel strong. You're moving with a rhythm like some other force is in control. Your pace is no longer important. You're quick. You're focused only on the feeling of running in the present moment. Stats no longer matter. It's as close to a complete disconnection as is possible. That's the headspace that long books with a story of this scope require. That's the headspace that Sally Beauman's writing gives me when I read Dark Angel. Her writing is gorgeous. It is just so bloody readable. I can read this for hours without interruption. It is both effortless and pure joy. Page numbers become meaningless. Self-imposed deadlines are abandoned. The pages become the road and I just want to chase the horizon. This is an epic story of family, love, obsession, manipulation, abuse, sex, war, regret, and murder. It will forever be one of my all time greats and a constellation of stars would not adequately rate it.
Sally Beauman died in 2016, that year of unmitigated shit that was the gift that keeps on taking. Her books absolutely deserve more attention. In reading terms this is a Marathon Personal Best and an endorphin high like no other. I feel lucky to have discovered it and to have enjoyed it 3 times. It will not be the last time. I'd love for you to read it and then come talk with me about it. It's worth the distance and every mile is spectacular.
I've made some damn good reading decisions this year. Re-reading Dark Angel by Sally Beauman may be the best of them.
For years I regarded this as my favourite book of all time. I do struggle to justify a singular favourite now. I've read too many amazing books to put only one on a podium. However when it comes to the reading milestones of one's life, the top ten books of all time, that list of books you will continue to read throughout your life until they are buried with you - this incredible book is on that list. This was my third time reading Dark Angel and it absolutely justified its place in my mind as a masterpiece. If I was banished forthwith from the Kingdom of Rohan and could take only one book with me, there are serious odds on it being this one. Of all the books I adore (with perhaps the exception of King's IT and The Pillars of the Earth) there is no other book that matches the sheer scope of this story. That scope, and the sumptuous quality of Sally Beauman's writing may just give this book the edge over all others.
The most commonly available edition of Dark Angel is the paperback in the middle of this stack. It's 791 pages long. The text is small. There are 12 significant recurring characters and numerous supporting characters. The book spans a time period from the year 1910 to the year 1986 and the action takes place across 3 countries spanning two world wars. The story is vast. The "Dark Angel" of the title is one of the greatest fictional characters I've ever read. An outstanding literary creation who grows from child to adult before our eyes. Sally Beauman writes many characters as both children and adults here. She does so with incredible skill. The adult characters convey the children they used to be. Their speech and actions have a ring of truth because she has established their personalities over the course of the story. They feel real and believable and compelling. It's spectacular writing.
There are some books that are a labour to read. They take work and concentration. I have many beloved books that required effort to yield their reward. I can often love a book but can only read a handful of pages before I need to stop, reset, and carry on. These books make me think of running. Sometimes, no matter how fit you are, no matter how often you've run that distance, or that route, you cannot find your rhythm. It's a slog. Your breathing doesn't feel quite right. You know you'll make it, but you also know it's going to be hard work. Many books have made me feel like I'm going to hit the wall 5 miles from home. Not Dark Angel. Reading this book is, for me, akin to being "in the zone" on your weekly long run. You feel strong. You're moving with a rhythm like some other force is in control. Your pace is no longer important. You're quick. You're focused only on the feeling of running in the present moment. Stats no longer matter. It's as close to a complete disconnection as is possible. That's the headspace that long books with a story of this scope require. That's the headspace that Sally Beauman's writing gives me when I read Dark Angel. Her writing is gorgeous. It is just so bloody readable. I can read this for hours without interruption. It is both effortless and pure joy. Page numbers become meaningless. Self-imposed deadlines are abandoned. The pages become the road and I just want to chase the horizon. This is an epic story of family, love, obsession, manipulation, abuse, sex, war, regret, and murder. It will forever be one of my all time greats and a constellation of stars would not adequately rate it.
Sally Beauman died in 2016, that year of unmitigated shit that was the gift that keeps on taking. Her books absolutely deserve more attention. In reading terms this is a Marathon Personal Best and an endorphin high like no other. I feel lucky to have discovered it and to have enjoyed it 3 times. It will not be the last time. I'd love for you to read it and then come talk with me about it. It's worth the distance and every mile is spectacular.
francis_deer's review against another edition
Intense read with some deeply unsettling topics.
The novel covers a large slice of family history, the events are framed by the passing of Halley's comet in 1910 and in 1986.
The scenes playing in the 1910s are especially vivid. Over the course of the novel, it will become apparent that even seemingly insignificant details matter.
Something else I appreciated: Characters that at first appeared to be side characters come to play far bigger parts.
On a side note: Rebecca from "Rebecca's tale" and Constance have several traits in common, amongst them their unusual eye color, problematic father-daughter relationships, charm, will-power and the willingness to manipulate others.
Spoiler
Child abuse. The abused also becomes manipulative and abusive.The novel covers a large slice of family history, the events are framed by the passing of Halley's comet in 1910 and in 1986.
The scenes playing in the 1910s are especially vivid. Over the course of the novel, it will become apparent that even seemingly insignificant details matter.
Something else I appreciated: Characters that at first appeared to be side characters come to play far bigger parts.
On a side note: Rebecca from "Rebecca's tale" and Constance have several traits in common, amongst them their unusual eye color, problematic father-daughter relationships, charm, will-power and the willingness to manipulate others.
jessthebookworm's review against another edition
5.0
This book captured my attention right from the beginning and held me riveted throughout.
It has everything, murder mystery, family drama, family secrets, gothic house, war, love affairs, and scandal.
The characters in this story were so well written that each affected me in some way, whether it be pity, revulsion or intrigue.
The book seamlessly jumps from the past to the present day, taking you on a journey through time.
I loved this book, and I will definitely be looking for other books by this author.
It has everything, murder mystery, family drama, family secrets, gothic house, war, love affairs, and scandal.
The characters in this story were so well written that each affected me in some way, whether it be pity, revulsion or intrigue.
The book seamlessly jumps from the past to the present day, taking you on a journey through time.
I loved this book, and I will definitely be looking for other books by this author.
crazeedi73's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! lots of twists and turns in this hefty tome. I recommend. The narration goes back and forth between 1980s Victoria and 1910 Constance and her diaries. Once one gets used to the switch between them, it becomes very readable.
boxxieboo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
shelleygirl90's review against another edition
5.0
The perfect gothic family saga. This book was intense and gave me goosebumps on more than one occasion. Its dark, compelling, twisted, suspensful and moving all at the same time.
beccaboo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0