Review of Side of the Angels: A Novel by Sandra Prior
Introduction
Side of the Angels is a riveting novel by Sandra Prior. The book tells the story of a young woman named Lucy who is trying to find her place in the world after a difficult childhood. The novel is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. In this review, we will take a closer look at the novel and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
Plot Summary
The novel begins with Lucy moving to London to start a new life after leaving her troubled past behind. She finds a job at a prestigious law firm and begins to make new friends. However, her past catches up with her when she meets her ex-boyfriend, who is now a successful businessman. As Lucy navigates the challenges of her new life, she must confront her past and make some difficult decisions.
Characterization
One of the strengths of the novel is the depth of characterization. Sandra Prior has created a cast of vivid and believable characters who are easy to relate to. Lucy, the protagonist, is a complex and multifaceted character who is struggling to find her place in the world. Other characters, such as Lucy’s friend Emily and her boss Julian, are also well-developed and add depth to the story.
Writing Style
Sandra Prior’s writing style is engaging and descriptive. She has a talent for creating vivid and detailed scenes that draw the reader in. The dialogue is natural and flows well, making it easy to imagine the characters in conversation. The pacing of the novel is also well done, with enough tension and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
Themes
Side of the Angels explores several themes that are relevant to contemporary society. One of the key themes of the novel is the struggle for self-acceptance and identity. Lucy is trying to find her place in the world and come to terms with her past. The novel also deals with themes of love, loss, and redemption, as Lucy navigates her relationships with the people around her.
Critique
While Side of the Angels is a well-written and engaging novel, there are some weaknesses to note. One of the main criticisms is that the novel is somewhat predictable. The plot follows a fairly standard coming-of-age arc, which may not be surprising to readers who are familiar with the genre. Additionally, some readers may find the ending to be somewhat unsatisfying, as it leaves some loose ends unresolved.
Conclusion
Overall, Side of the Angels is a well-written and engaging novel that is worth reading. Sandra Prior’s talent for characterization and descriptive writing make the novel a pleasure to read, and the themes explored are relevant and thought-provoking. While the predictable plot and unresolved ending may be drawbacks for some readers, the strengths of the novel more than make up for these minor flaws. Anyone looking for a good coming-of-age story should consider picking up a copy of Side of the Angels.
