A Time of Angels
A Time of Angels is a 1992 book by Patricia Schonstein and follows the lives of a number of Italian Jews in post-Apartheid South Africa.
Author | Patricia Schonstein |
---|---|
Country | South Africa |
Language | English |
Genre | Novel |
Published | 2003 (Parktown: Random House) |
Media type | Print (Hardback) |
Pages | 223 |
ISBN | 9780593051764 |
OCLC | 749961446 |
Reception
The Guardian, in a review of A Time of Angels, wrote "Schonstein's magical realism is dense with sensual imagery - taste, touch, smell, shimmering visions. At first it is confusing to be recalled so insistently to the good things of life at the same time as being continuously reminded of horror and war; it seems almost shocking that Schonstein can list the ingredients of bostrengo - a delicious cake - and then, almost in the same breath, recount a massacre of children and old men.
However, this uneasy mixture is the whole point of Schonstein's narrative."[1]
Other reviews have found it comparable to Like Water for Chocolate including Library Journal, Booklist, and Voice of Youth Advocates.[2]
A Time of Angels has also been reviewed by Publishers Weekly,[3] Kirkus Reviews,[4] People magazine,[5] and North & South magazine.[6]
References
- Falconer, Helen (18 October 2003). "Books: Cape Fear". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- "A Time of Angels: Reviews". catalog.wccls.org. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- "A Time of Angels". Publishers Weekly. PWxyz LLC. 25 October 2004. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
While many sweet details of community life and a meticulous, respectful attention to the skills of all trades brighten the novel, the themes and language are familiar; the conclusion brings together many elements of the characters' fates but fails to imbue them with meaning.
- "A Time of Angels". Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Media LLC. 1 October 2004. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
An agreeable confection. Enjoy it for its glittering artifice, but don’t look for depth.
- "A Time Of Angels (Book)". People. Time Inc. 62 (24): 54. 13 December 2004. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- "International Books". North & South. Bauer Media Group (213): 121. December 2003. Retrieved 29 January 2017.