Reviews

Angel: A Novel by Merle Collins

hanntastic's review

3.0

Global Read Challenge 90: Grenada

I found this book was better read in large chunks of time. Every time I started reading it, it took me a little bit to get into the style of writing and the mini chapters, but once I was engaged I was very engaged. The book was good at educating readers without detracting too much from the story.

serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Angel tells the story of a young girl from straightened circumstances who, through her own efforts and abilities as well as the sacrifices and determination of her mother, wins a scholarship to a good secondary school and then goes on to attend university. While there she develops thoughts and ideas at odds with those she was raised with. An interesting but not exactly unique storyline. What makes this special is its setting. The events unfold against a pivotal period in Grenada’s history, including the aftermath of World War II, independence, a coup and invasion by the United States. The parallels between Angel’s development and that of Grenada are obvious. Another thing that makes this book special is that its’s dialogue is patois, which gives it an authentic sound, one that doesn’t pander to white, western readers, although there is a glossary at the back. The use of local proverbs to divide chapters into shorter scenes was a nice touch which added local flavour as well as providing guidance to the reader. I especially enjoyed the early sections for the way they painted a picture of community life in colonial Grenada. The negative impacts of colonialism were clear - I wanted to slap the nun who told Angel to straightener hair so she would look decent. Not the easiest of reads but one which offers a special insight into Grenada.