Angelica

Mediocre - won't recommend to friends

I was really captivated by the premise for this book, but I feel that it fell quite short of my expectations. There were certainly portions of the book that were very engaging. The various perspectives did provide some thought-provoking ideas and intrigues. However, I was often times frustrated by the voice as I could not tell who was telling the story 'I actually thought the family dog was telling the story at one point... but there was no dog in the story'.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Angelica is a Masterpiece

After finishing 'Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell,' I was quite immersed in the world of Victorian literature, so I picked up a copy of Arthur Phillips' 'Angelica.' I loved his previous book, 'The Egyptologist,' so 'Angelica' seemed like a 'sure thing' for me. It was. I don't know when I've enjoyed a book more. 'Angelica' takes place in late-Victorian London and revolves around the Barton household: Joseph, his seemingly very neurotic wife, Constance, their four-year-old daughter, Angelica, and even their 'sturdy Irish maid,' Nora. Of course other sundry characters enter the picture, such as actress-turned-spiritualist, Anne Montague, Joseph's 'friend,' Harry Delacorte, and the lemon cake loving Dr. Miles. 'Angelica' is the story of many things. It's a ghost story. It's a story of the deterioration of a marriage. It's a story of child abuse and its consequences. It's a story of lust. It's a story of love. It's a story of ultimate betrayal. Above all, it's a story of ultimate sadness. The book, in Phillips' able hands, is perfectly written. Not one word could be replaced with one better suited. It's a perfect marriage of art and craft. Arthur Phillips proved he certainly knew his stuff in 'The Egyptologist,' and in 'Angelica,' he even tops himself. Missing this book would be missing the reading experience of a lifetime. And don't worry about the open ending. All the clues are there and putting the puzzle pieces together is half the fun. (Note: Don't overlook secondary characters and don't overlook Constance's reading habits.) A book or two more and Arthur Phillips is going to be known as one of our greatest writers ever. His work is mesmerizing. In fact, he is one of America's greatest writers right now. It's time you found that out. Pick up a copy of 'Angelica' for yourself and see. Not only is the book a masterpiece that will have you reading far into the night, it's also perfect for a book discussion group.

superb late Victorian psychological suspense

Stationary store clerk Constance is euphoric and overwhelmed when she marries biological researcher Joseph Barton as she has changed from lowly shop girl to the lady of the manor. She decides to give her spouse children, but over the years only Angelica is born. When their daughter turns four, Joseph insists their offspring no longer sleep in their room. Constance panics as she fears for Angelica¿s safety having seen spirits hover over her child however Joseph¿s temper is more frightening so she reluctantly accepts that Angelica will sleep in her own room. Still Constance consults with a spiritualist Anne Montague, who thinks there is something perverted about Joseph and his ferocious rage at home that manifests in the spirits. Joseph cannot understand why his wife suddenly fears him and cringes at his touch as if he is a beast. Years later, an adult Angelica wonders whether when she was a child if her father was a sexual predator, her mother a delusional maniac, or something even more frightening from beyond. --- This late Victorian psychological suspense tale switches perspective as the key players provide their point of view re what is happening when Angelica turned four. The story line grips readers who are unsure as to what is the truth as each person¿s version seems right at the time it is presented. Interestingly the audience will empathize with Constance and Joseph as hey share in common the belief that their partner does not understand them. ANGELICA is a strong suspense thriller that will keep fans reading to learn supernatural or mundane cause and effect. --- Harriet Klausner

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