Necessary Angel

A beautifully written, carefully observed novel that takes you to the heart of contemporary Paris and into a world of books and witty conversation.

With a surprising twist at the end, this book is gripping and hugely satisfying.

It can be read on many levels - as a story of people grappling with love and fidelity; as a story about the importance of books in everyday life; as a commentary on living in complex modern-day Europe; and as a page-turning mystery.

Peopled mainly by lecturers and students of the Sorbonne The Necessary Angel touches on the machinations of various players as they position for power. Written against the wider backdrop of the political turmoil of 2014 - ISIS, Syria and the threat of Brexit - these themes become global. One of the characters quotes Flaubert: 'There is no truth, there is only perception', and this thread runs throughout.

This is a sophisticated novel that shows CK Stead writing at the height of his powers.

Un roman frumos scris, atent observat, care va duce in inima Parisului contemporan si intr-o lume a cartilor si a conversatiei ingenioase. Cu o intorsatura surprinzatoare la sfarsit, aceasta carte este captivanta si extrem de satisfacatoare. Poate fi citita pe mai multe niveluri - ca o poveste a oamenilor care se confrunta cu dragoste si fidelitate; ca o poveste despre importanta cartilor in viata de zi cu zi; ca un comentariu la trairea in Europa moderna complexa; si ca un mister de intoarcere a paginilor. Populat in principal de lectori si studenti ai Sorbonei Ingerul necesar atinge masinatiile diferitilor jucatori pe masura ce se pozitioneaza pentru putere.