Customer Reviews

Talk of Angels

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a beautiful story. 1936 was a bit before its age. For a female Irish writer to write a book that even hints at a lesbianism was probably beyond the ability of the Irish Catholic establishment to deal with in that era. However, that is such a minor part of the novel, that it is really mistitled with this new title "Talk of Angels." Discussion about the sexual orientation of a minor character greatly distorts the stark beauty of the characters, Spain, and the inner story which O'Brien tells so well. I understand that the new title replaces the originally published title of "Mary Lavelle." But the angel passage and the lesbian angle are so minor, that I would probably opt for something associated with the climax like "Spanish Love Dance." The strength of this work is the exploration of the inner characters. The main character of Mary Lavelle, her beauty, her vulnerability, and the options between uncertain romance and unromantic certainty. We root for Mary to make love a romantic choice rather than simply an ecomonic security issue as so many women over the last centuries have been forced to make. The characters of the father and her lover are also well drawn and filled with their own special quests. As important as any of the characters is Spain itself. How lovingly is it described, more alluring than a travel trailer or vacation brochure. The society of the other nannies with their squabbling creates a strong reality in which we can see these women operate. The ending left me wanting more in the story. I wanted to know what happened after her return to Ireland. Perhaps that is what a great novel does, leaves you so connected to the characters that they last with you long after the book ends. I believe this book will connect with romantics of both genders, simply because the writing is so fine.

This lovely coming-of-age story set in the 1920's is beautifully written. I must confess it did take me a bit to get into it (it was somewhat boring until about halfway through), but I'm glad I stuck it out as the story seemed to grab me and stick with me night and day. Mary and Juanito's love story reminded me a great deal of The Bridges of Madison County - hopeless, unrealistic and doomed from the start. A great romance in all respects. Now I must add Spain to my travel wish list!

This was a great book for so many reasons. I loved the emotional changes that the protagonist went through and the colorful people that she interacted with. I also liked the excellent descriptions of Spain and the romantic/political atmosphere. A great read for anyone who is a romantic.

One can browse racks of books in our modern bookstores, but from the past come books of wonderfully insightful, deeply sensitive and concerned writers. In our age of easy violence and indifference to the pangs of divorce, etc, suddenly we are brought to our knees through the story of a young woman, driven by her unnamed lust for life, to an illicit and adulterous meeting, which is connected with another's untimely death. One can feel through the young woman's innocence that she perceives the import of her trembling, hesitant sin: she knows she will never forget it. No doubt the writer O'Brien experienced something similar; she wrote this in her own 30's back in Ireland. Enjoy the sweet and urgent, yet fuzzy uncomprehending mind of an Irish country girl as she blossoms in the hot Spanish sun.

i loved traveling through the adventures of this woman's life - especially during this time period. the "blossoming" in spain - what a WONDERFUL place to be in spring!! - brought an interesting perspective that needed to be understood before appreciated. i'd love to hear thoughts on any of her other books.

The lesbian character of Agatha Conlan, although a small role, is better drawn and more visible than in most modern novels. The heroine, Mary Lavelle falls in love with a married man. Even though, she is an innocent in affairs of the heart, she controls the relationship.

I watched the movie Talk of Angels several times before I knew that it was based on a book. I watched it primarily because I think that Polly Walker is a great actress, but then I got hooked on the story. The story in the movie involves the historical context (precursor to the Spanish civil war) and better explains the characters' motivations. The book is lacking this context and reads like a cheap romance novel at times. I was very disappointed.