The description on the back of ANGELS ON TOAST by Dawn Powell describes the characters in this frenetic, witty, and clever book as being “on the make”.
Now, while that expression has sexual connotations, that’s not the only meaning. The characters in ANGELS ON TOAST are all desperately chasing something be it new business opportunities (Such as Lou Donovan or Jay Oliver) or a better deal in life (Eby Vane and Trina Kameray) or just information (TV Truedale) or the opposite sex (all of the above)….Or maybe it’s just a new trap, a new challenge, something to hold you back, to struggle with, escape from….
The idea that American capitalism is synonymous with making a fast buck is both a blessing and a curse although the narrative is so spry and flows so well and is filled with so many funny scenes, one never thinks of the negative sides.
I like how ANGELS ON TOAST moves so effortlessly between the different characters (always a sign of a great writer)….I also like how the book feels like a part of a greater whole….the beginning and the ending aren’t necessarily that but simply where the writer picked up and then left off….One could see the story both with more backstory and also continuing on and on into the future.
Dawn Powell is one of the best kept secrets in literature….Championed for many years by other writers (Powell herself passed away in 1965), many of her books were re-released in the late 90’s….She is definitely a writer I plan on reading more of….On my reading list is THE LOCUST HAVE NO KING.
Now, while that expression has sexual connotations, that’s not the only meaning. The characters in ANGELS ON TOAST are all desperately chasing something be it new business opportunities (Such as Lou Donovan or Jay Oliver) or a better deal in life (Eby Vane and Trina Kameray) or just information (TV Truedale) or the opposite sex (all of the above)….Or maybe it’s just a new trap, a new challenge, something to hold you back, to struggle with, escape from….
The idea that American capitalism is synonymous with making a fast buck is both a blessing and a curse although the narrative is so spry and flows so well and is filled with so many funny scenes, one never thinks of the negative sides.
I like how ANGELS ON TOAST moves so effortlessly between the different characters (always a sign of a great writer)….I also like how the book feels like a part of a greater whole….the beginning and the ending aren’t necessarily that but simply where the writer picked up and then left off….One could see the story both with more backstory and also continuing on and on into the future.
Dawn Powell is one of the best kept secrets in literature….Championed for many years by other writers (Powell herself passed away in 1965), many of her books were re-released in the late 90’s….She is definitely a writer I plan on reading more of….On my reading list is THE LOCUST HAVE NO KING.
1 comment:
I never did this before with an author
but I read Dawn Powell's LETTERS first...
WHAT A POTENTATE!!!!!
my highlighter pens are going to sue me for abuse!!!
...will start THE GOLDEN SPUR next week
my blog has named MUTTS singing birds "the powell sisters"...Tweedelee, Deedelee & Dawn
"Powell to the People!!"
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