 | |
| Author | April Stevens |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novel |
| Publisher | Viking Press |
Publication date | 1995 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hard & paperback) |
| Pages | 669 |
| ISBN | 0-14-024213-9 |
Angel Angel is the 1995debut novel by American writer April Stevens. The story, set inConnecticut, centers upon a dysfunctional suburban family whose malaise is challenged by the introduction of the older son's live-in girlfriend. The novel, published byViking Press, was well received.[1]
The Irises, a typical suburban family inConnecticut, are thrown into disarray upon the discovery of the patriarch's extra-marital affair. With his absence in the marital home, his wife, Augusta, struggles to understand or come to terms with the betrayal and takes to her bed for weeks. Her two sons, Matthew and Henry, face their own demons and are little help to their mother. However the introduction of Henry's sassy live-in girlfriend forces the family out of their emotional downward spiral.[2]
Gary Krist, writing inThe New York Times, noted that Stevens "is a wonderfully fluent storyteller with a shrewd eye for the offbeat".[1]Time described the book as "intelligent and moving", continuing that Stevens conveys the protagonist's "knowing honesty reminiscent ofEdna O'Brien".[2]Publishers Weekly described it as an "auspicious debut", continuing that Stevens' "touch is assured (and) her ear for vernacular dialogue marvelously sharp".[2] The writerStewart O'Nan also citedAngel Angel in a list of his favorite "overlooked" books.[3]
In May 2011,Variety reported that the novel would be adapted into the filmLong Time Gone, withPrecious producer Sarah Siegel-Magness making her directorial debut andMeg Ryan attached to star as Augusta,[4][5] however she was later replaced byVirginia Madsen.[6] Production was slated to begin in the fall of 2012 in Los Angeles.[7]