The Necessary Angel

Description

Award-winning author C.K. Stead takes us to the heart of contemporary Paris and into a world of books and witty conversation. The Necessary Angel is a story of people grappling with love and fidelity; a story about the importance of books; a commentary on living in complex modern-day Europe; and a page-turning mystery. With a surprising twist at the end, this is a sophisticated novel that shows Stead writing at the height of his powers. 'Stead is a fine writer, intelligent and assured, and The Necessary Angel's stealthy crescendo will leave the reader gasping.' Philip Womack, The Spectator 'A fictional gem.' David Grylls, The Sunday Times, UK '... his prose is good, beguilingly good ... It's an entertainment, but in the best sense of the word - clever, rich and playful.' Jane Westaway, The Spinoff 'For anyone who enjoys literature, it's a delight to find a book that does the same.' Paul Little, North & South 'Paris suits Stead. There is a joie de vivre to the writing: the zest and juice of the short stories are sustained at novel length, making this his best novel since All Visitors Ashore.' Stephen Stratford, New Zealand Listener

Karl Stead is a distinguished, award-winning novelist, literary critic, poet, essayist and emeritus professor of English at the University of Auckland. He was the New Zealand Poet Laureate from 2015-2017, has won the Prime Minister's Award for Fiction, and is a Member of the Order of New Zealand, the highest honour possible in New Zealand.

'There has been much debate recently about what exactly constitutes 'literary' fiction. If the term means beguiling, gorgeously crafted novels that are assured of their place alongside other writers, reacting to, and taking pleasure in discussing them; that are aware of the world's events and their impact on humanity; that have delicately drawn characters; and that range with ease from intense emotions to moments of high drama; and that use careful, subtle imagery, then C. K. Stead's The Necessary Angel is all this and more.' Philip Womack, The Spectator 'As Max reflects, France was once "noted for its humane movies . . .realistic about human folly, whimsical, often funny, with good feeling, good food and wine, and with charm and intelligence." A nice description of this fictional gem.' David Grylls, The Sunday Times, UK '... his prose is good, beguilingly good ... It's an entertainment, but in the best sense of the word - clever, rich and playful.' -Jane Westaway, The Spinoff 'Stead's having fun with us in the best sense; we're all meant to enjoy this ... For anyone who enjoys literature, it's a delight to find a book that does the same.' -Paul Little, North & South 'Paris suits Stead. There is a joie de vivre to the writing: the zest and juice of the short stories are sustained at novel length, making this his best novel since All Visitors Ashore.' -Stephen Stratford, New Zealand Listener 'Set against the rumblings of a contemporary, unsettled Europe, it culminates in a satisfying, surprising twist.' -The Australian Women's Weekly 'In some ways surprisingly, given the multi-levels of the novel, it really works. As a mystery, introduced partway through, it has us guessing. As a tale of infidelity, it echoes with the real world outside. As an insider's view of the academy, it clearly resonates. As a story of Parisian lives it is detailed and credible. On all levels, it will send you on a rewarding reference hunt. Satisfying from all perspectives.' -Steve Walker, Sunday Star-Times 'This is a lovely love letter to love, to Paris, and above all to literature, and, vitally, one that's kept its sense of humour.' -Saturday Paper 'A languid yet gripping portrayal of modern literary life in Europe.' Jennifer Sommerville, 'Stead's writing is sophisticated, thoughtful, often wryly funny, and a pleasure to read.' Ann Skea, Eclectica Magazine